Mr. John Lee Wilson

John Lee Wilson went home to be with the Lord surrounded by his family in Ann Arbor, Michigan on Wednesday June 12, 2019. John Lee was born on Jan 8th, 1928 of Charles and Cleo (Dennis) Wilson in Eldorado, Arkansas. His parents moved to Saginaw, Michigan in order to pursue a better life for their family. In 1947, John Lee joined the army and served for three years in Kobe, Japan. John Lee continued to surprise and delight friends with his fluency in Japanese, especially giving fun and eloquent greetings on holidays. John Lee was very patriotic and upon his honorable discharge, he married his high school sweetheart, Lucille Bryant, whom he affectionately called Lucy. John Lee and Lucy were married for 50 years when she predeceased him. They had four children, Lawrence Crawford, Gregory, Carlotta and Kathleen. Upon returning to Saginaw, John Lee completed a four-year apprenticeship program at General Motors, and continued his education at Delta College. John Lee excelled at his job as a skilled tradesman, working as a Journeyman-Millwright at the Malleable Iron Plant. John Lee instilled the strongest work ethic in his children always telling them that “arriving to work early is on time and arriving on time is late.” True to his creed, he never missed a day of work until he became ill and retired from General Motors after 42 years of dedicated service. He was a humble man but one who was proud of his work, that work and the love that he and Lucille gave to their children was the most important thing to him. He supported his family and put all 4 of his children through the University of Michigan. Those who were blessed to know John Lee, recognize that he had the sharp mind and personality of a comedian, who could make you laugh until you cried; the sage wit of a philosopher, full of colorful stories to learn from and most importantly, the heart of a lion, strong and reigning over the family and friends. While he fiercely protected his family, he believed one should work hard but play hard. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, taking an annual fishing trip to Canada with his best friend and brother-in-law, Freddie Jones. His greatest hobby was that of a rare gun collector. He enjoyed the status of being an expert marksman and loved to show off his gun collection. John Lee was also an award-winning athlete excelling at basketball, baseball and track and was honored to have been inducted into the Saginaw Athletic Hall of Fame. A very faithful man, John Lee was an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, in Saginaw, Mi. and served as the head of the Vestry to help administer the church. He was also counted on to be the chief handyman of the church living up to his motto “If you can break it, I can fix it...got any duct tape?” He beamed with pride because he literally had the keys to the church. He loved St. Paul’s and was a member of the church for more than 60 years. After moving to Ann Arbor to be closer to health care services, he became a faithful member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church. John was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille Bryant Wilson and his son, Gregory Allen Wilson, his parents, Charles and Cleo Wilson, brother Freddie Wilson and sisters, Lilly Dean Wilson and Irma Lee Rodgers. He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Lawrence (Winnie) Crawford, Carlotta Wilson, Kathleen (Donald) Wilson-Thompson and his sister Christine Jones, with whom he shared a special bond. He also leaves to mourn his passing, his grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Old Dude”, Lawrence Crawford Jr, Alan Crawford, Jonathan Wilson, Candyce Young and Taylor Wilson Thompson along with special family friends, Charles, Colette, Jihan and Anton Rush, Dr. Linda Clark and Sharon Ford, Dr. Eugene Henderson, Jr., Patricia Qualls, Denise, Angie and Stephine Jones, Liz Works and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family. John Lee was cared for by his devoted daughter, Carlotta for the past five years for which the family will be forever grateful. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 720 Tuscola St., Saginaw, MI 48601. The Very Rev. Judith D. Boli, Priest and Pastor will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 S. Washington Ave., Saginaw, MI 48601. Friends may call at the Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave., Saginaw, MI 48607 on Monday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m.. Family hour will be from 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Mr. John Lee Wilson

January 8, 1928 - June 12, 2019