Frank Buddy Wilson, Jr.

Frank S. "Buddy" Wilson, Jr., 88, devoted husband, father and grandfather passed away on Aug. 25, 2012. He was a native of Radford, VA and the son of the late Mary Margaret and Frank S. Wilson, Sr. Buddy is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mildred Louise Wilson; 4 children, Gregory S. Wilson of Jasper, FL, Carol W. Shelton of Suffolk, Roger Wilson of Miami, FL and Lyn Wilson of VA Beach. Also surviving are twin granddaughters, Michelle Masilon and Diane Norris; 2 great-grandchildren, Nicholas Masilon and Essiemae Norris and 4 nephews, John, Frank, Edward and Stephen Sharrett. He was predeceased by his sister, Margaret Sharrett. Buddy learned to play the saxophone and soon joined the Woodrow Wilson High School Band. He began playing with a dance band until he was drafted into the 17th Airborne Division of the Army after graduation. He played in the Army Band and was sent to England, France, Belgium and Germany. They acted as special equipment guards in combat areas in Germany. With less than 3 years of service in the military, he and others were sent to the 82nd Airborne Division in Berlin to await their return home to the US. He participated in the New York Parade honoring the 82nd A/B Division. He continued to play the saxophone and upon returning from the service attending the Norfolk Division of William & Mary College ODU. During this time he formed a college band who were professionally qualified to play musical arrangements provided mostly by Tommy Newsom who was attending the school at that time. Buddy earned his BA degree at the University of Miami in 1951, where he started a campus band. He was also a member of the of the newly formed University band that entertained diners several nights a week. After graduation from college he obtained a job in Broadcasting and marketing in Richmond, VA with Richmond Broadcasting WTVR, WMBG, WCOD-FM. He was executive program director until he was asked to become the Director of member relations with the Richmond Merchants Association in 1968. His primary responsibility was development of membership and preparation of information dealing with the use of credit and collections. While living in Richmond he played with a number of local dance bands and on special occasions was hired when there was a need to accompany out-of-town performers. Some famous entertainers he played behind were Ethel Merman, Benny Goodman, Bob Crosby, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Johnny Mathis, Dorothy Lamoure, The Temptations and the Four Tops. He played mostly with Big Band Groups that used musical arrangements that included the Richmond Continentals from 1953 until joining the Pat Curtis Group in 1980 for over 10 years. In 1972 he moved his family back to Portsmouth to become the manager of the merchants Association. In 1974, the Norfolk and Portsmouth offices merged forming the Merchants Association RMA in Norfolk. In 1991, Buddy retired from RMA. He and Louise spent the next 8 years traveling across country visiting many scenic wonders of the nation. In 2001, physical and health problems kept them close to home. He brought so much love and joy to his family and everyone he met. His humor will be greatly missed. The family would like to express their gratitude for the professional care and support provided by the staff at Golden Living Center of Portsmouth and Hospice of VA. A gathering to celebrate Buddy's life will be held at 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday in Loving Funeral Home Churchland Chapel

Frank Buddy Wilson, Jr.

August 26, 2012 - August 26, 2012