Rev. John William Wilder

The Rev. John W. Wilder was married to Eloise Ashley Wilder of the home, who survives. He is also survived by their children, Susan Wilder Walters and husband Robert W. Walters of Greensboro, N.C., Michael W. Wilder of Burlington, N.C., and Brent W. Wilder of Westerville, Ohio, and granddaughter Shannon N. Walters of Greensboro, N.C. Rev. Wilder is also survived by his sister, Ruth Wilder Albright of Phenix City, Ala., and other relatives including several nieces and nephews. Rev. Wilder was preceded in death by his parents, Robert L. Wilder Sr. and Myrtie Parrish Wilder, his sister Gladys Wilder Bassett and brothers Edgar Wilder and Robert Wilder Jr. Rev. Wilder began his 48 years of ministry as a lay speaker in the United Church of Christ in 1958. After serving a small congregation in Roanoke, Ala. for about three years on a part-time basis, he felt led to enter the ministry full time. At that time, he accepted a full-time position in a Tallassee, Ala. church and enrolled in Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Ala., where he earned his bachelor of art's degree. Following the completion of his bachelor's degree, he accepted a call to Mt. Zion Christian Church in Mebane, N.C. in 1965. At the same time, he enrolled in Duke Divinity School, where he received a master of divinity degree in 1969. >From then until his retirement on Oct. 29, 2006, Rev. Wilder served: Shallow Well Christian Church in Sanford, N.C., Bethlehem Christian Church in Suffolk, Va., Bethlehem Christian Church in Altamahaw, N.C., Lebanon Christian Church in Semora, N.C., Liberty United Church of Christ in Nathalie, Va. and Center United Church of Christ in South Boston, Va. After his retirement, Rev. Wilder joined First Presbyterian Church of South Boston. The church, minister and members of the congregation proved a great blessing as he had the opportunity to serve as a layperson and not have a leadership role. Following retirement, Rev. Wilder continued to serve as an active volunteer at Halifax Regional Hospital as an associate chaplain, as well as continuing regular visits to the area's nursing homes. He continued to volunteer until 2009, when health issues prevented him from continuing. In addition to Mr. Wilder's love for his family and ministry, he has also been active as a Master Gardener and greatly enjoyed growing and sharing plants with his many friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration of donations to Halifax Regional Hospice, 2204 Wilborn Ave., South Boston, Va. 24592, or any charity of personal choice. The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home, 1603 Wilborn Ave., South Boston on Monday, Oct. 17 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., and at other times at their home at 1027 Evergreen Trail, Halifax, Va. 24558. The funeral service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 800 N. Main St., South Boston on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 11 a.m., with Dr. Russell Lee officiating. Interment will follow at Halifax Memorial Gardens.