Mr. Edward Wilder

Edward Wilder was born on April 19, 1942 in Pittman, Florida - the first born child of Jonas Sr. and Odessa Doris Wilder. He was the big brother to seven brothers and one sister. He came to know the Lord at a very young age, and was a very active member of Gethsemane Baptist Church in Eustis, Florida. At Gethsemane, he participated in the Men’s Ministry and shared his beautiful tenor voice in the church’s choirs. He received his education at schools in Eustis, and was a proud member of the Eustis Vocational High School Class of 1960. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served for nearly 21 years. Edward was a master mechanic,and after retiring from the Army, he spent several years working for B.E. Dillard Grove Services. He subsequently joined the Lake County School Board as a mechanic, and eventually transportation supervisor. He retired from the Lake County School Board in 2008 after 22 years of service. During the years when he was actively working, “Mr. Ed,” as he was affectionately known, served as the “town mechanic,” helping family, friends, and local residents when they were in need. On September 21, 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, Mable L. Murphy, and together, they were blessed with three children --Damita, Tanya and Willie, and eventually, three grandsons -- Adrian, Jyair and Jamir. He was a loving husband, and very loving father and grandfather, not only to his biological children, but to many others as well. Edward was a people person and explorer. When he was not watching NASCAR or his favorite Westerns, Edward loved exploring, learning and reading about both new and historical events, places and people. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family and friends. After a five-year battle with illness, Edward answered the Lord’s call and departed this life on March 28, 2017 at his home in Eustis, surrounded by his loving family. He leaves to cherish his memories: His loving Wife of 53 years: Mable L. Wilder; Daughters: Damita Wilder of Jonesboro, Georgia; Tanya Wilder (Lorenzo) of Eustis, Florida; Son: Willie Wilder of Chicago, Illinois; Special Sons and Daughters: Philomena Bodie, Bruce Martin, Sr. (Michelle), of Eustis, Florida; Penny Birdsong-Isaac (Ellis) of Alpharetta, Georgia; Lionel and Crystal Webber, Brenda Major, and Curtistine Bryant, all of Eustis, Florida; Grandchildren: Adrian Moore and Jyair Mincey, both of Atlanta, Georgia; Jamir Wilder of Eustis, Florida; Sister: Lillian Hutto of Umatilla, Florida; Brothers: William Richard Wilder of Umatilla, Florida; Jonas Wilder, Jr. (Dollie) of Albion, New York; Theodore Wilder (Jeanette) of Jacksonville, Florida; Eugene Wilder of Eustis, Florida; John Wesley Wilder, Sr. (Melinda) of Holley, New York; Alfred Wilder (Annie) of Hilton, New York; Christopher Wilder, Sr. (Ina Mae) of Eustis, Florida; Special Friends: Doris Birdsong and Lloyd Mitchell, both of Eustis, Florida; William Cain of Savannah, Georgia; Will Rodgers and James Weatherspoon, Sr., both of Eustis, Florida. He also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrowing family and friends.

Tributes

Mr. Edward Wilder

April 19, 1942 - March 28, 2017