Edwin J. Wilson, known to most as Ed Wilson, 94, of Columbus, Georgia, died January 28, 2025 at Magnolia Manor Nursing Home after a short illness. He was widely known and respected for his compassion, tolerance, understanding and wit, which he expressed through his relationships, writing and public speaking, during the entirety his life.

Ed was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1931 to Lloyd and Ivah Wilson. He attended primary and secondary schools in his home town of Berrien Springs, Michigan, before studying theology at Andrews University, also located in Berrien Springs. Upon graduation from the university, Ed married his first wife June and worked as minister in the SDA church, serving in several posts across the U.S. Midwest and Canada. In the late 1960’s, Ed decidedto resign the ministry to pursue a career in broadcasting.

In 1967, Ed Wilson moved to Columbus, GA for a job in the news department of WDAK radio. Due to a mix-up during the introduction of his first on-air broadcast, Ed was christened J. Edward Wilson, a name he would use for the remainder of his broadcast career. During his tenure at WDAK, Ed started a popular radio call-in show, “What’s Your Answer?’, which ran for many years first on WDAK, then on WRCG radio.

Ed’s second wife Sidney and her young daughter Lee joined his family in 1975.

In 1994 Ed retired from broadcasting and served three consecutive terms as Chief of Staff for Columbus mayor Bobby Peters and subsequently Robert (Bob) Poydasheff.

In addition to his professional career, Ed Wilson was engaged in a variety of community and personal activities. In the late 1970’s he was a founding member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Columbus where he served as adjunct minister, and in that capacity, he officiated at many weddings and funerals in the Columbus community. Ed loved the city of Columbus and was involved in numerous community groups and projects. He also enjoyed spending many hours in his boat, exploring the waterways of South Georgia and the Gulf Coast, with the Chattahoochee River being his favorite.

Ed was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Ivah Wilson, his brother Norman Wilson and Norman’s wife Donna Wilson. He is survived by his wife Sidney Wilson, stepdaughter Lee DeFrietas-McDowell; his first wife June Floyd and their children, Ernest Wilson, Paul Wilson, Cheryl Wilson and Kenneth (Kent) Wilson; grandchildren Andrew Wilson, Olivia Bynum-Harrington, Laura Wilson-Bosh and Deni McDowell-White; and, their respective family members.

A memorial service is planned for 2pm, Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Columbus, 8827 Heiferhorn Way, Columbus, Georgia 31904

Georgia Cremation – Columbus is assisting the family with the arrangements.