Joseph John Wilson, 82, of Lexington, Virginia, died Sunday, May 24, 2015 surrounded by his loving family.

Born February 25, 1933 in Atlanta, Ga., Joe was the son of Joseph John Wilson, and Jamie DeVane Wilson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Stephen Joseph Wilson.

He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann; by two sons and their wives, John (Janie), and David (Christine), all of Richmond; by grandchildren Kaitlin Phucas (Nick); Abbey Kazior (Mike); Gretchen, Anna, Simon, Jack, Milo, and Noah Wilson; Lindsay and Natalie Walker; by great-grandson, Elias Phucas; and by his brother, Loren Wilson (Diane), of Macon Ga., as well by as a host of extended family spread liberally across the Southeast.

After marrying Evelyn Jo Ann Mann on September 18, 1954, Joe earned his B.S. in Textile Chemistry from Georgia Institute of Technology. Joe was employed by DuPont Company for 13 years, during which time he lived in Wilmington, Del., Atlanta, Ga., Charlotte, N.C., and Chattanooga, Tenn. In 1968 he took a position with Burlington Industries and worked there for the next 28 years, living in Monticello, Ark. for four years before moving to Lexington in 1972. Joe was an active member of the Lexington Presbyterian Church, where in addition to being a member of the choir, he served as a member of the Session and held a variety of other church positions throughout the years. Joe's life was filled with art and music.

Soon after moving to Lexington, Joe was inspired by the beautiful scenery to begin painting. He continued to paint until no longer able to do so because of health issues. Joe was especially known for his watercolor, oil, and etching landscapes shown in Artists in Cahoots in Lexington, Market Gallery in Roanoke, Co-Art Gallery in Staunton, Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center in Clifton Forge, Transit Gallery in Charlottesville, Warm Springs Gallery, as well as in many homes and other locations in the area.

A musician of multiple talents, Joe sang in various church choirs throughout his adult life, was a member of the Rockbridge Chorus for a number of years, and sang in the local barbershop group. He played a variety of instruments in numerous settings, including the piano at home, the recorder in The Chocolate F, the French horn in the Rockbridge Symphony, and the tuba in the Washington and Lee Wind Ensemble with whom he enjoyed traveling around the world.

Joe's passions for art and music have greatly influenced his children and grandchildren, several of whom have followed in his footsteps. A founding member of the Sunrise Rotary Club, Joe served as president at one time and participated in numerous community service activities. He also gave of his time by driving for the Rockbridge Regional Library and the Cancer Society, as well as delivering meals for the local Meals for Shut-Ins. Joe's most lasting legacy rests in his family. He was a devoted husband for sixty years to Jo Ann and an inspiring patriarch to his sons and grandchildren.

He will forever be remembered for his awe-inspiring napkin tricks at the dinner table, his enthusiastic singing at family gatherings, his never-ending love of learning, his nature lessons (stargazing, leaf identification, shooting the rapids of Goshen Pass). He possessed a patient and open mind, a constant sense of humor, great wisdom, and unconditional love for his family.

A memorial service will be conducted 2 p.m., Thursday, May 28, 2015 at the Lexington Presbyterian Church with Dr. William Klein officiating. Burial will be private. Gifts in his memory may be made to the Lexington Presbyterian Church, 120 S. Main Street, Lexington, or to the Fellowship Fund of Kendal at Lexington, 160 Kendal Drive, Lexington.

Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, VA.