Baptist and Reflector
KNOXVILLE — Earl Wilson, retired president and executive director of the Tennessee Baptist Foundation, Franklin, died Nov. 7 in Knoxville. He was 89.
Wilson’s ministry with Tennessee Baptists spanned more than 60 years. He was pastor of several churches in the state — Pleasant View Baptist, Clinton; Black Oak Heights Baptist, Knoxville; Marbledale Baptist Church, Knoxville; and City View Baptist, Knoxville. He also served as pastor of Higland Baptist Church in Shelbyville, Ky.
He joined the Tennessee Baptist Foundation in 1983 and served until his retirement in 1995.
“Earl Wilson took the Foundation to a new level during his tenure,” said Bill Gruenewald, current president and executive director of the Tennessee Baptist Foundation.
“ He was a great leader and a man who loved people and showed the love of Christ with everyone he came in contact with. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him,” he said.
Prior to joining the Foundation Wilson was active in the life of Knox County Association of Baptists, the Tennessee Baptist Convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention. He served as vice president of the convention and was on numerous TBC boards and committees, including the Executive Board of the TBC (now Tennessee Baptist Mission Board). He also served on the Committee on Boards and the Executive Committee of the SBC.
After retirement, Wilson served many churches in Knoxville and surrounding counties as interim pastor. He was a member of Wallace Memorial Baptist Church, Knoxville.
Wilson was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Bobbie. He is survived by two children, two grandchildren, and several great grandchildren.