To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens."  Ecclesiastes 3: 1

Paul Wilson, Sr., affectionately known as Sammie Lee and Mr. Sam, entered eternal peace on Friday, May 19, 2017. He was a country boy born on June 24, 1947, to the late Mrs. Frances Lacoste (Lacosta) Wilson in Sumter, South Carolina. He received his formal education in the public schools of Sumter County.

In the early 1960's, Paul relocated to Newark, New Jersey where he met and married Dorothy Rea Jones formerly of Albany, Georgia. This union was blessed with five children.

Having professed his faith and belief in the Lord, Paul was baptized at the Lily of the Valley Baptist Church on October 16, 1977.

Throughout his professional career, Paul wore many hats. In addition to working numerous part-time jobs, he was employed as a full-time forklift operator at Merchant Refrigeration. He retired in 2001, after 33 years of loyal and dedicated service.

Paul was an incredible person whose love for his children was unsurpassable. In 2006, he relocated to Albany, Georgia to be closer to his children and share happy and precious moments together. In his free time, he enjoyed gardening, watching old westerns (Gunsmoke was his favorite), singing and dancing, and making people laugh. He was a great communicator who loved to share stories. Paul was full of life and enjoyed it to his last day. He was a short man with a gigantic heart. He was truly loved by many and will be dearly missed.

In addition to his mother, he was predeceased by four siblings, Johnnie Wilson, Jr., Joseph Wilson, and Leon Wilson, Sr., and Lillie Mae McCloud; his youngest daughter, Audrey Wilson; and one great grandson, Jeremiah Moore Johnson.

He leaves a legacy of love to be cherished by his children, Paul (Kim) Wilson, Jr., Stacey (Timothy) Robinson, and Stephanie (Edmond) Oliver of Albany, GA, and Joseph (Lorraine) Wilson of Orange Park, FL; four sisters, Viola Hall of Pertha Amboy, NJ, and Bessie Mae McKnight, Della A. Wilson, and Patricia (Amos) Gibson all of Sumter, SC; a very close niece, Janet Hall of Lithia Springs, GA; fifteen grandchildren, Shakymbria Keith, Daryl Johnson, Jr., Aaron Oliver, Jr., Joseph Wilson, Jr., Jastacia (Eric) Walker, Tasheem Bankston, Keyanna Oliver, Kwantareus Wilson, Kenyetta Oliver, Zykerra Moye, Lataysjsia Wilson, Dezya Wilson, Aulexus Moye, Kashif Wilson, and Harmonee Wilson; twelve great grandchildren, Erica Franklin, Zion Johnson, Ehrion Walker, K'mariyen Oliver, D'audri Johnson, Brilee Walker, Kinglsey Oliver, Kalaysia Oliver, Corey Oliver, Bryce Johnson, Milaysia Oliver, and Amir Evans; one aunt, Fleete Mae Lacoste, a god-son, Alex Payton; his former wife and mother of his children, Dorothy Fletcher; two close and dear friends, Shawanda Mathis and Doreen Spurlin; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.