Ernest Walter Wilson

Ernest Walter Wilson, age 88, of Athens, passed away peacefully at his home on November 5, 2023. Born December 8, 1934, in Macon, GA, he was the son of the late Ernest Walter Wilson and Ruby Bailey, and the stepson of the late William Henry "Bill" Bailey. Walter was a graduate of Lanier High School in Macon, and Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. He received his Master of Business Administration and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Georgia. Walter retired from the University of Georgia with 30 years of service.

Walter lived in Athens for over 60 years and was very active in the community. He participated in various civic organizations including serving as President of Athens Jaycees, President of Little League of Athens, member of the Board of Salvation Army, Secretary of Board of Elections, and Secretary of the Athens Rotary Club. Walter and his wife Shirley started three successful businesses in Athens, including Uniforms Unlimited, which has been in business for over 50 years and is run today by his son Wayne. He enjoyed playing golf and having morning coffee with his friends at the local McDonald’s. Walter was a longtime member of The First United Methodist Church of Athens.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Shirley Potts Wilson, sons Rip of Littleton, CO and Wayne of Athens, GA; daughters-in-law Adrienne and Janice; grandchildren Bailey of Alpharetta, GA, Zac and Claudia of Littleton, CO, and Kit of Athens, GA. He was preceded in death by his grandson Wyatt Wilson.

The family will receive friends Thursday, November 9, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Bernstein Funeral Home, 3195 Atlanta Hwy., Athens, GA.

The funeral service will be held Friday, November 10, 2023, at 11:00 am in the Chapel of Bernstein Funeral Home, 3195 Atlanta Hwy., Athens, GA. Interment will be at Oconee Hill Cemetery following the service.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.