Thomas Leroy Wilson

Thomas Leroy Wilson, age 78, of Dayton, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026, at Hospice of Chattanooga.

A lifelong resident of Dayton, Thomas was a member of Kelly Grove Baptist Church, where he enjoyed playing the harmonica. He retired  from La-Z-Boy, he earned the nicknames “MacGyver” and “Mr. Fix-It,” reflecting his ability to repair just about anything. Thomas was also an avid fisherman and enjoyed photography.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leeman and Arrabelle Wilson; his son, Terry Lynn Wilson; brothers, Gene, Harry, and Jimmy Wilson; and sisters, Jewel Dean Johnson, Linda Fox, and Elaine Harmon.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, June Sneed Wilson; his children, Steve Patton (Wendy), Thomas L. Wilson Jr. (Brenda), and Jeff Patton (Dawn); his siblings, Christina Goodman (Don), Shirley Everett, Karl Wilson, and Charles Wilson; grandchildren, Susan Collette Kyle, Staphanie Reed (Matt), Houston Patton (Danica), Asa Patton (Racheal), and Noah Patton; great-grandchildren, Caleb and Bronte Shadwick, Hailey Shadwick, Sarah and Baily Taylor, Trinity and Donald Elser, Trent Quinn, Autumn Reed, Dart Patton, Vash Patton, Yusuke Patton, Mavis Patton, Jewel Brackett Patton, Melissa Loper, Jessie and Amber Creasman; and great-great-grandchildren, Ava Elser, Willow Elser, Harvey Elser, Felix Reyes, Belen Reyes, Maddox Taylor, Gavin Loper, Joshua Loper, and Ethan Loper; along with a host of extended family and friends.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of Coulter Garrison Funeral Home, with Rev. Stacy Gennoe officiating. Serving as pallbearers are Houston Patton, Caleb Shadwick, Asa Patton, Trent Quinn, Noah Patton, Autumn Reed, And Dart Patton. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Interment will follow at Smyrna Cemetery.

Thomas will be remembered for his loving heart, his willingness to help others, his many talents, and the joy he brought to his family and friends. His memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him. The family extends a special thank you to the Erlanger Hospital MICU unit and The Hospice Care Center for the care and kindness shown to Thomas and his family during his illness.

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