Clyde Wilson

February 9, 1930—July 24, 2025

Clyde F. Wilson passed away on July 24, 2025 at the age of 95. Beloved wife of the late Jean Kay Wilson, cherished father of Janet Wilson, James Wilson, and Kathleen (Scot) Peacock, and grandfather of Sean Peacock. Born in Detroit, Clyde was the baby of his family and the last surviving member of his generation. He was notably athletic in his youth and served briefly in the U.S. Navy following graduation from high school. He met his wife, Kay, in English class at Wayne University, where he was immediately smitten with the slim, vivacious (and smart!) brunette. She in turn was smitten with his car, and she gladly accepted his offer of a ride to spare her the long bus ride to her home on the East Side. They married on July 27, 1957, and enjoyed 65 wonderful years together until Kay's passing in 2022.

While working for General Motors, Clyde expanded his technical skills into computer programming at an IBM training program in Endicott, New York, in the late 1950s. He participated in the cutting edge of computer technology—punch cards and reel-to-reel magnetic tape—during the largest chunk of his career, which was spent as the Director of Data Processing for Macomb County Intermediate School District.

Born during the depression, and a member of the "silent generation," Clyde learned to fix or build things himself.  He passed this creative DIY ethos on to his children.  He was a quiet, conscientious father who rarely shared his opinions or asked for them. He didn't stand out in a crowd but always seemed to make a good impression.  And as a devoted family man and good provider his philosophy was "Happy Wife, Happy Life."

Clyde and Kay enjoyed a long and idyllic retirement in Tellico Village, Tennessee, beginning in 1994. Clyde filled his days golfing with the "Over the Hill Gang" and volunteering at the Good Neighbor Shoppe. When he wasn't mowing his lawn or tempting fate by standing on ladders or using his "widow-maker" table saw, he enjoyed ice cream, sudoku puzzles, and writing a series of stories for his children about his early years growing up in Detroit.

Even before dementia claimed his memory Clyde approached each day as a fresh start with no preconceived notions.  He never put his own expectations on anyone else or blamed anyone for anything.  He was pragmatic about life's ups and downs, and when the aches and pains of old age made daily routines difficult he'd convincingly proclaim, "It's a heck of a lot better than the alternative!"

Clyde and Kay returned to Michigan in 2022 to be closer to family, who were blessed to enjoy his gentle spirit for his final years.

Clyde's last few weeks were especially hard.  Always the optimist, it was clear that he recognized that the "alternative" would be his only relief.  It is in this thought we find comfort knowing that his suffering is over.

Special thanks to the staff at Beaumont Commons Assisted Living in Dearborn, Michigan. Their kindness and professionalism made Clyde's last  years dignified and comfortable.  Word has it Clyde proposed to at least one caregiver there and charmed everyone else with his easy and thoughtful manner.  Their hard work allowed his family to rest more easily knowing he had the care he needed while maintaining the right amount of independence for his condition.

A memorial service will be held in Tennessee at a later date where Clyde and Kay will be reunited at Tellico Village Church where their ashes will be simultaneously interred, next to former friends, overlooking a lovely green meadow, in the place they never intended to leave. In addition to being remembered by their family they will be remembered by good neighbors and friends, Cindy and Dale Polewach.