Roy Wayne Wilson

Roy Wayne Wilson, age 66, of Knoxville, entered into Eternal rest on Saturday, July 16, 2016, after a valiant fight against cancer. Though his family and friends rejoice that he is no longer in pain, he will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him. Roy was a servant of Jesus Christ and most recently attended Valley Grove Baptist Church. He was a loving, loyal, and devoted family man who followed the example set by his parents – living his life in service to others. A graduate of Rule High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1969, and served proudly until his honorable discharge in 1973.Upon returning home, he joined the ranks of the City of Knoxville Fire Department (KFD) as a professional firefighter. During his 25 years of dedicated service, Roy earned the Silver Star and the Award of Excellence; was twice named Firefighter of the Year; was instrumental in establishing and serving on the KFD's inaugural Hazardous Materials Team; worked on a joint task force with the Knoxville Police Department; and was a Fire Boat Safety Officer. Roy participated as a member and a past Board Officer of the Knoxville Fire Fighter's Association Local 65 and was elected several times by its members as a delegate to the annual conference of the International Association of Fire Fighters. Roy also coordinated the KFD's annual Boot Day to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association; contributed as a member of the original volunteer committee for the Knoxville Ronald McDonald House; and donated services to the Kidney Foundation. Following his retirement, Roy continued serving others as a Core Team volunteer for Remote Area Medical (RAM) for more than 10 years. Cooking was a passion for Roy. He loved to prepare food for friends, family, co-workers, and strangers alike. His food could always draw a crowd and he earned several competitive awards for his Hillbilly Chili. Roy was a strong, outspoken, and compassionate man with a lively spirit and a generous heart. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and shooting pool. He was a faithful friend and a stranger to no one.Roy was preceded in death by his loving parents, Dorothy Lee Jones Wilson and Wayne M. Wilson. He is survived by his cherished wife of 47 years, Mary Goans Wilson; beloved daughters, Jennifer Wilson (Doug Goin) and Amanda (David) Weber; sisters, Carolyn (Earl) Polson and Melissa Wilson; brother-in-law James (Rogene) Goans; sisters-in-law, Alma (John "Sparky") Carter, Carolyn (Ivan) Farr, and Debra (Bill) Gentile; an abundance of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins; and a multitude of dear friends. The family will receive friends on Friday, August 19, 2016, from 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m., immediately followed by a service to be officiated by Pastor Keith Vaughan and KFD Chaplain Captain Paul Trumpore, which will include the KFD Honor Guard, in the Chapel of Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway, Knoxville. Family and friends will process following the service for interment with full military honors at 1:30 p.m. at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E. Gov. John Sevier Highway 168, Knoxville. In lieu of flowers, donations in Roy's memory may be made to Remote Area Medical, 2200 Stock Creek Boulevard, Rockford, TN, 37853. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com