O.R. “Bert” Wilson Jr., 88, of Florence, died Aug. 10, 2010.
Wilson was born in New Orleans, La. He played semi-pro baseball in New Orleans. He was a graduate of Louisiana Baptist College and Southern Baptist Seminary with a Ph.D. in Greek New Testament. He taught several seminary extension classes from time to time.
He held pastorates in Virginia from 1953 to 1965 and later became an associate pastor at First Baptist Church in Anderson. Subsequently, from 1973 to 1981, he was pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Florence.
He retired at age 60 and held interim pastorates and was a Prudential Life Insurance agent. He was president of the Anderson Sertoma Club, Florence Lions Club (bulletin editor for 20 years) and was a Melvin Jones Fellow.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Elizabeth “Lee” Carter Wilson, six children and 15 grandchildren.