Kenneth Wilson

Kenneth "Ken" Wilson,88, passed away April 2, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. In life, Ken was a generous, hardworking man with a great love for his family. He was a master story teller that entertained everyone with his favorite memories of his interesting life. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. His generous heart led him to support many organizations in the community.

Ken was born in Barnesville, Georgia September 29, 1936 to the late Needham Perry Wilson and Pauline Hughes Wilson. He was the oldest of three sons and is preceded in death by his brothers Randall Wilson and "Pete" Wilson.

Ken was raised in the small southern town of Barnesville, Georgia where he graduated from Gordon Military Academy. Upon finishing his education, he joined the US Air Force. He was stationed in Alaska during his military career and was a proud veteran.

After completing his four years in the military, he started his civilian life in Atlanta, Georgia. It was here, that on a blind date, he met the love of his life Dianne Freeman. Coincidentally, they had both grown up in the same small town but had never met. Ken married Dianne and they were happily married for 64 years. They were blessed with two daughters, five grandchildren, and one special great- granddaughter. They loved to travel and were fortunate enough to visit many countries with their wonderful friends. Ken was also an avid golfer and loved nothing more than a day on the links.

As a businessman, Ken was successful and driven. He began his career in the plastics business and soon opened his own business "Cartier & Wilson". He spent 20 years traveling as a sales representative. Later in his career, he got the offer to serve as President of Plastics Manufacturing Inc. in Harrisburg, North Carolina where he worked until retirement in 1995. He was described as a fair and honest businessman that was looked up to as a role model and friend by many of his colleagues.

During the last 30 years of his life, Ken was a loving and devoted "granddad" to his five grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Whether it was a school activity or one of many basketball, tennis, or soccer events, he was always in attendance. Ken thoroughly enjoyed supporting and spending time with them. They loved him with all their hearts.

Ken is survived by his wife of 64 years Dianne Freeman Wilson. Daughters Pamela Wheet and her husband Tim; Patti Earnhardt and her husband Tim. Grandchildren; Andrew Wheet; Matthew Wheet and his wife Abby; Holly Wheet, Katherine Earnhardt and her fiancé Connor, and Emily Earnhardt. Great granddaughter, Delilah Wheet.

A warm thank you goes out to all of his care takers that loved him dearly during this last phase of life.

A celebration of Ken's life will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Cabarrus Country Club.

For those who wish to honor the life of Ken Wilson, memorials can be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081, or Forest Hill United Methodist Church Caregivers Mission, 265 Union Street N, Concord, NC 28025