Russell Lee Wilson

Russell Lee "Whitey" Wilson, 72, of Lickingville, Farmington Township, Clarion County, passed away at his home at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, April 19, 2019.

He was born in Oil City on October 24, 1946 to the late Russell W. and Eloise (White) Wilson.

He was a graduate of Cranberry High School. He then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served from 1965 through 1968.

Lee was a member of the N.R.A. and the American Legion.

He was an active member of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church located on Rte. 36, Tionesta, where he served as an usher, a greeter, a ten year member on the board of trustees, as well as helped with their spaghetti dinners.

Lee enjoyed fishing, biking, camping, and hunting, especially buck season; and the companionship of his dog, Tippy. He loved telling stories and enjoyed telling a good joke. He looked forward to the past few winters, where he and his wife spent the winter months in Panama City Beach, Florida, and made many good friends.

Mr. Wilson was employed as a truck driver for Pennzoil in Rouseville, retiring after the refinery closed in 1999.

He was married on October 9, 1965 in St. Stephen Church, Oil City, to the love of his life, the former Paula Jane Sloan, and she survives. They celebrated 53 years of marriage on October 9, 2018.

Also surviving are two sons, James Clayton Wilson of Clarksville, Georgia and his fiancé Cindy Oliver of Taccoa, Georgia; and Michael Joseph Wilson of Dempseytown and his fiancé Karen Kiskadden of Venus; two special grandsons, Nathaniel T. “Nate” Wilson, and Drake Michael Wilson; a sister-in-law, Linda Wilson of Sevierville, Tennessee; two special aunts, Barb Wilson of Fredonia, and Allene Heeter of Rockland; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews, especially Jackie and Dan Moltz and Randy and Jane Parrett, and all of his close friends and neighbors.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Stephen Wilson; and his step-mother, Freda Bell Wilson.

Friends and family will be received Monday (April 22) from 3 – 6 p.m. in Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 9870 Rte. 36, Tionesta, PA 16353, where the funeral service will follow Monday at 6 p.m., with Pastor Jonathan Bell, officiating.

At the convenience of the family, private interment with military honors will be in Nickleville Cemetery, Richland Township, Venango County, at a later date.

Lee's family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the nurses, doctors, and staff at Clarion/Forest V.N.A. Hospice, and the UPMC Northwest Hillman Cancer Center, for providing excellent care and compassion to Lee and his family during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd U.M. Church, 9870 Rte. 36, Tionesta, PA 16353; or to Clarion/Forest VNA Hospice, 271 Perkins Rd., Clarion, PA 16214.

Funeral arrangements are being completed by Hile-Best Funeral Home in Seneca, Cranberry Township. For additional information, or to express online condolences to the family, please visit www.hilebest.com

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