John Wesley “JW” Wilson

John Wesley “JW” Wilson, May 19, 1934 — March 12, 2026 of Sharpsburg, Kentucky, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at his home. He was born on May 19, 1934, in Bourbon County, Kentucky to the late Bishop Wilson and Effie Sargeant Wilson.
JW was a proud tobacco and cattle farmer, a Korean War veteran, and a faithful member of Peyton’s Lick Christian Church. He was known for his devotion to his family, his quiet strength, and a life rooted in service and faith.
He is survived by his beloved wife of more than seventy years, Lucy Clayton Wilson; his son, John David (Connie) Wilson of Sharpsburg; his daughter, Sheila (Bill) Murphy of Mount Sterling; his grandchildren, Tyler Wilson of Sharpsburg and Kayla Murphy of Nashville, Tennessee; and his brother, Wayne (Patsy) Wilson of Winchester. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, William Earl Wilson, Herbert Wilson, Paul Wilson, Robert Wilson, Ray Wilson, Helen Wilson Reynolds, and Margaret Wilson Dawson.
Visitation was held at the Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Owingsville from 12:00 – 2:00 PM on Monday, March 16, 2026. Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 PM Monday in the chapel of the Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Owingsville with Rev. Mary Weese officiating. Burial with full military honors were performed by American Legion Post 22 will follow at the Crown Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers included nephews, Billy Dawson, Victor Wilson, Kevin Jamison, Brian Highley, Chase Taylor and Alex Tyler.
Honorary pallbearers included P.D. Wilson, Ricky Purvis, Walter Shrout, Donald Back, Bobby Joe Hammack and Dirk Verplogh.
In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy are suggested to UK St. Claire Hospice at 201 Lyons Ave. Morehead, KY 40351.
The Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Owingsville is caring for all the arrangements for John Wesley Wilson.