Oliver Radford Wilson, Jr., known as Junior, age 92, of Redding, California, passed away October 8, 2024. Junior was born November 21, 1931 in Greenfield, Missouri, to Oliver Radford Wilson, Sr. and Inez Mary Weeks.
Junior served in the United States Navy from November 1950 until September 1954. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon.
After his military service, Junior married Lila Marlene Strang on August 12, 1956 in San Jose, California. Marlene passed away April 3, 2012. The couple are survived by their daughter and son-in-law Phyllis and Melvin Ness, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
In June of 1966, the family moved to Redding, California, where Junior operated heavy equipment on many roadways in Northern California for decades. He earned his contractor’s license in 1979 and then owned and operated Wilson’s Equipment Rental.
Junior enjoyed fishing, boating and camping at Lake Shasta. He will be missed by all that loved him. Junior and Marlene’s urns will be placed together at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo, California.
