Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

April 26, 2022

CHARLOTTE – Thomas Earle Wilson, 90, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 surrounded by family. Tom was born on March 3, 1932 to Earle Raymond Wilson and Frances Benner Wilson in Lakeview, Ohio.

Tom graduated from John Marshall High School and furthered his education with technical training.  After graduation, Tom enlisted in the United States Air Force from 1951-1955, serving during the Korean War as an aircraft mechanic.  After leaving the Air Force, Tom married, and was blessed with two stepsons and two daughters.  He worked for American Airlines for many years as a mechanic in Los Angles, CA.   

In the mid-60’s, family ties brought them to North Carolina where he operated a small engine business and later a motorcycle shop until his retirement at age 71.  

In 2003, Tom moved to the North Carolina Mountains, where he continued tinkering in his craft and where he found much happiness surrounded by nature, friends, and motorcycle enthusiasts. A true craftsman in everything he built, whether restoring a motorcycle, building antique model airplanes or carpentry, he often commented, it was all about the process that brought him the most satisfaction. As a result, the finished product was beautifully constructed.

Although his family was the light of his life, Tom loved the old British-American Motorcycles, and was considered by many as one of the best in the field of restoration. Tom continued to ride into his 70’s, and for years had enjoyed judging the antique restoration classification at motorcycle meets/shows.

Tom was a very avid reader of all things history, with a special interest in the theaters of WWI and WWII. Other interests and hobbies included flying model airplanes and building elaborate model train sets with his grandsons.  He enjoyed watching baseball (specifically the Atlanta Braves) and had a deep appreciation for classical music. His earlier hobbies also included drafting and photography.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Kathe Ball (Roger) of Charlotte; stepson, Russell Perry (Laura) of TX.; grandsons, Christopher Ball of Charlotte, Matthew Ball of Fayetteville; numerous nieces and a nephew and a very kind and generous family friend, Bruce Cook. Tom was predeceased by his oldest daughter, Laura Lynn Wilson of Charlotte and stepson, Robert Perry (Ann) of CO.  

A private memorial gathering is planned for a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Tom to Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 7845 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28210 (www.hpccr.org) or Ashe Food Pantry, PO Box 705, Jefferson, NC 28640 (www.ashefoodpantry.org).

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.