Terry Lee Wilson, 71, of Southport, NC (Boiling Spring Lakes), passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at his home with his loving family at his bedside.

Born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on August 7, 1954, Terry was one of four children born to the late James Lee and Beverly Utley Wilson. In addition to his parents, Terry was predeceased by a brother-in-law, Jack Phillips, the mother of his children, Susan Wilson, and two very special companions, Tucker & Jake.

Terry was a proud U.S. Army veteran who served as a Drill Instructor during his military career. Following his military service, he worked for the Town of Oak Island, where he faithfully served until his retirement. He had a lifelong love for sports and was passionate about investing in the lives of young people through coaching and mentorship. Over the years, he coached girls' softball and Little League baseball through Dixie Youth Baseball & Recreation and Southport/Oak Island Youth Sports. He was instrumental in helping create and coach Buddy Ball, a program designed to provide children with special needs the opportunity to enjoy and participate in sports. A devoted UNC Tar Heels fan, Terry rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on Carolina or his grandchildren. He was a proud Papa and never missed a chance to show them his love, encouragement, and support. He also worked for several years with the Boiling Spring Lakes Community Center Youth Program, serving as a counselor for before and after-school programs and summer camps. In the early 1990s, he opened and operated Off the Street Youth Center, where he was able to reach and positively impact even more children and teenagers. Throughout his life, Terry faithfully served in numerous church leadership roles and ministries, always carrying a special burden for children, teens, and families. Following a stroke later in life, he felt called to volunteer at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center's rehabilitation facility, where he made it his mission to encourage others and share the love of Christ. Whether coaching on a ball field, serving in his church, mentoring youth, or ministering to fellow patients, Terry's greatest desire was to be a light to others and point them to Jesus Christ

Surviving are his adoring wife, Wanda Cruse Wilson; his children, Bob Wilson (Sherry), Bryan Wilson (Stephanie), Tara Wilson – Combs (Mikie), Chris Wilson (Mylecia Griffin), Kerri Wilson (Paul Rudoph) and Courtney Everette (Marcus Redd); He was also survived by his siblings, Lin Wilson Wingerson, Pam Phillips, Claudette Sassman; twelve grandchildren; a very special friend, Jesse Cruse; a host of extended family including Aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and last but not least his special fur baby, “Finn”.

Memorial services will be conducted at 1:00 PM, on Saturday, August 8, 2026, in Beach Road Church, with military honors.

The family requests with gratitude that donations be made in his name to the Beach Road Church, 4457 Flagship Avenue, SE, Southport, NC 28461.

Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to the family at www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com

Michael J Fulwood Funeral & Cremation Service