C.E. "Pete" Wilson

C.E. “Pete” Wilson, 93, of Dalton, GA, also known to many as “Coach,” passed away on August 29, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Pete was born on November 1, 1929, in Chattanooga, TN to parents Clifford and Mariotis Wilson. He was the oldest of four children. He is preceded in death by his parents and infant grandson,  Branton Lee Bray.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 70 years, Katherine Branton Wilson,  his four daughters and son, and their families. Sherry Wilson, Sandy and Gary Valeriano, Carla and Jim Bray, Karo and Joel Hughes, and Pete and Joy Wilson, all of Dalton, GA. Also his 11 grandchildren, Anara Wilson, Aliya Wilson, Bernadette Upton (Travis), Beau Bray (Rachel), Rebekah Cook (Blake), Matt Hughes (Sara), Mikki Denson (Preston), Charlie Wilson, Mary May Wilson, Sam Wilson, Anna Grace Wilson. Also survived by 15 great-grandchildren, two sisters, Marilyn Wilson of Athens, TN,  Suzie Ely (Ron) of Gainesville, GA, and brother, Ben Wilson (Cynthia) of Athens, TN.

 Pete attended and played football at McMinn County High School in Athens, TN. He continued his education and football career at Tennessee Wesleyan College and East Tennessee State University. He began coaching football at Science Hill High School in Johnson City, TN. He continued his career moving to the collegiate level coaching at Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette and East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN.  In 1968 Pete moved his family to Dalton, GA to begin a 46-year-long association with Josten’s, Inc. 

Pete became a Christian at age 14 and developed a strong faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a longtime member of Fellowship Bible Church, serving on numerous committees through the years, as well as serving as a Deacon and Elder. Pete was active with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for 60 years. He also served on the Board of Dalton Parks and Recreation.  Pete enjoyed a wide group of friends, laughter, coaching Little League football, and playing many years of golf, tennis, and softball. 

The family would like to especially thank the wonderful staff at The Gardens for their tireless love and thoughtfulness. 

The family will receive friends from 2-4 pm in the gymnasium at Fellowship Bible Church on Friday, September 1, 2023. A Celebration of Life will follow at 4pm in the sanctuary. The family will have a private graveside service. Honorary Pallbearers: Wink Baker, Larry Capel, Bill Chappell, Steve Daniel, Charles Haynes, Bill McKay, Randy Mosteller, Bill Patterson, Bill Sims, Gordon Whitener.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions made to the North GA Fellowship of Christian Athletes at
 P.O. Box 2414 Dalton, GA 30722. 

Arrangements made with integrity by Shawn Chapman Funeral Home, Crematory, and Monuments  Chatsworth GA

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