Obituary for James "Larry" Wilson

Mr. James ‘Larry’ Wilson, 88, of Elberton, GA, husband of 62 years to the late Darla Arlene Jackson Wilson, died peacefully on Monday, July 27, 2026, while surrounded by his family who were singing “When We All Get To Heaven.”

A son of the late Leo Irma Wilson and Julia Edna Jane Ledford, Larry was born on May 18, 1938, in Hayesville, NC and moved to Elberton, GA at a young age where he was raised with his siblings, Bobbie and John. He was a proud 1956 graduate of Elberton High School where he was a star athlete. During his senior year, Larry was quarterback of the football team, which made it to the state playoffs. He was point guard on the basketball team, and in the last seconds of the state championship game successfully made two free throw shots which won the game. His love of sports would call him to coach high school girls basketball, and Little League football and softball.

Larry served in the United States Army serving from 1958-1961. He was stationed in Santia Base, NM and then transferred to Pueblo, Colorado where he met the love of his life at a church social. Darla was very impressed with him as he showed out diving from the high diving board at the pool party. Through their 62 years of marriage, they always adored one another and modeled a perfect marriage by instilling the importance of a Christ centered union for all of their family. Larry was a devoted family man that made all of his family members his utmost priority. He never missed the opportunity to support his children and grandchildren in any endeavor in which they participated.

Larry was a lifelong student, never ceasing to learn as much as he could. He earned his Bachelors Degree from the University of Utah, his Masters from Arizona State University, and his Specialists from Clemson University. Mr. Wilson dedicated his life to teaching high school education. He taught advanced mathematics - trigonometry, calculus, and algebra - at Samuel Elbert Academy and Elbert County Comprehensive High School, and then retired in 2001 as the school’s technology director.

Mr. Wilson was baptized at First Baptist Church of Elberton, GA at a young age, and would hold membership there all of his life. He served as Middle School Sunday School director and taught Sunday school for many years. Larry was a dedicated leader in the Sons of the American Revolution. Locally, he served as registrar of the Samuel Elbert Chapter and later served as State registrar of the Georgia Chapter.

Larry leaves a lasting legacy in Elberton, GA. His love for history and the fond memories of playing basketball in the Old Rock Gym inspired him to write grants for funding of its preservation. He fought a movement in 2003 to tear down the old gym, authored government grants, and was responsible for raising over $1.57 million for its restoration into the Elberton Armory Auditorium. Because of this work, it is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Along with Darla, Larry often taught genealogy classes at the Elbert County Library through the Historical Society.

He is survived by his children: Jeanne and Bill Harrison of Cedar Grove, NC, Kathy and Ronny Turner of Elberton, GA, and Kristi and Tony Burden of Elberton, GA; sister in law Delaine Salt of Scottsdale, AZ; grandchildren: Ronald Turner, Ryan and Abbey Turner, Lauren Lamb and Sarah Gay, Erica Burden, and Rae Harrison; great-grandchildren: Kayin, Kaliyah, Cameryn, Abram, and Isiah; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife; parents; and his siblings.

The family will receive friends on Friday, July 31, from 6:00p.m. until 8:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home.

Funeral services celebrating Larry’s life will be conducted on Saturday, August 1, at 10:00a.m. at First Baptist Church of Elberton, GA, with him lying in state beginning at 9:00a.m.

Graveside services will be conducted on Saturday, August 1, at 3:00p.m. at Hayesville Baptist-Presbyterian Cemetery in Hayesville, NC.

Rev. Tim Adams will officiate, and pallbearers will include Lauren Lamb, Rae Harrison, Erica Burden, Ronald Turner, Ryan Turner, Tony Burden, Bill Harrison, and Ronny Turner.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in his memory to The 41:10 Foundation Post Office Box 375, Elberton, GA 30635.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton, GA is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. James ‘Larry’ Wilson.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.