John "J.R." Wilson, Jr.

John R. Wilson, Jr., known to many simply as J.R., died on February 22, 2025, at the age of 78. He died at Ochsner’s in New Orleans, LA, after a valiantly fought battle with his "little leukemia". J.R. resided in Gautier, MS, where he was a well-loved member of the community.

J.R. was born on May 19, 1946, in Dover, New Jersey. He was the first-born son of John R. Wilson, Sr. and Dorothy Jane Woodruff. He enlisted in the United States Navy where he served his country proudly as a Radioman. He was stationed aboard the USS Eisenhower where he earned his first of many Navy Achievement Medals. He was stationed in Kodiak, Alaska early in his career, going on to travel the globe. After meritorious service on the USS Mount Whitney, he retired as a Master Chief, the highest enlisted rank in the Navy. He was noted as a strong leader who genuinely cared about the men serving under him. Upon retirement, he worked for several private companies, contracting with Ingall's Shipbuilding, where he continued to make a strong impact in his field. J.R. was an avid golfer and delighted in spending time with his family. J.R. held a passion for helping others and encouraging everyone he met along with way. His easy manner and love for good conversations made him a fast friend to everyone. His greatest joy was spending time with his beloved wife, Helen. They were inseparable in love and partnership for 40 beautiful years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John R. Wilson, Sr. and Dorothy Stiber, along with his granddaughter, Danielle Sargent Sherman.

He is survived by his wife, Helen S. Wilson; son, J. Andrew (Samantha) Wilson; daughter, Michaelanne (Ron) Brimer; daughter, Christy Sharp; and son, J. Thomas (Kim) Bailey; grandchildren, Melissa Brimer, Corey Brimer, Tyler Wilson, Ashlen Storie, Nicolas Wilson, Sarah Nicholson, and Micah Maxwell; great-grandchildren who hold him dear, Caroline Brimer, Cooper Brimer, Dani Wilson, Layla Storie, Jack Storie, Charlotte Wilson, Carson Wilson, Isaac Nicholson and Daniel Nicholson; siblings, Billy, Eddie, Holly, Pete, and Jackie. Simba, the dog, and Ash, the cat, will miss him intensely, as well.

The Hope Lodge in New Orleans offered a home away from home during J.R.'s treatment of his "little leukemia". We ask that donations be made to American Cancer Society's Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge in New Orleans: https://raiseyourway.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=cms.page&id=1072.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Unity Spiritual Center in Gulfport, MS. 1700 E. Railroad St., Gulfport, MS 39501. Friends may visit one hour prior. Reception to follow at Unity Spiritual Center in Gulfport. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, March 10, 2025 at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of John R. Wilson, Jr.