Jerome Bernard Wilson's Obituary
SSG. Jerome “Blue” Bernard Wilson was born January 1, 1959 on Tyndall Airforce Base in Panama City, Florida to the late Bernice Caldwell Wilson and the late John Arthur Wilson. Raised in a military home, Jerome grew up in Fort Lewis, Washington where he enjoyed music, camping, fishing, and outdoor adventures with his family. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1977 and soon after began a stellar career in the United States Army.
Jerome’s educational achievements and career in aeronautical engineering paid off, as he was selected for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) or Night Stalkers, possessing one of the highest security clearances. He earned numerous medals for his exceptional performance for operations Desert Storm/Shield and Operation Assured Response in Africa, such as meritorious service medal, air medal, humanitarian service medal, and master crew member badge. During his nearly 20-year career span in the U.S. Army, Jerome acquired approximately 3000 flight hours, with experience in aircraft maintenance as a mechanic, flight engineer, and flight engineer instructor specializing on Chinook, Apache, and Blackhawk Helicopters.
Upon retirement in 1997, Jerome continued working in his passion as an aircraft mechanic in Lexington, Kentucky and later settling back home in Fort Lewis, Washington. Here, he was able to really enjoy his role as father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was incredible at recounting events, always making his family and friends laugh, and a self-proclaimed “Yahtzee King.” He loved traveling, hiking, sightseeing, but most importantly, he loved his family.
Jerome is preceded in death by his brothers John Arthur Wilson II and James Fitzgerald Wilson, and one great-niece, Martazia Labree Wilson.
He leaves to cherish his memories, daughter: Danyell Lynette Smith (Brandon) of Panama City, Florida; granddaughter, Estella Breyell Smith; sisters: Jacqueline A. Wilson of Panama City, Florida, Carolyn B. Ross of Federal Way, Washington, and Pamela M. Morris of Tacoma, Washington; a loving and devoted aunt, Willa L. Johnson of Portsmouth, Rhode Island; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
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