James "Herbie" Wilson

April 26, 2016

James Daniel "Herbie" Wilson, age 81, of Buford, GA, passed away on Tuesday, April 26, 2016. He was preceded in death by parents, Lewis Alton and Runelle Overby Wilson; brother, Stanley Wilson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, William Earl Sears II and Alma Roberts Sears; brother-in-law, Verlon Southerland; brother-in-law, William Earl "Bud" Sears III; nephews, Chip Southerland, Barry Southerland, Wes Sears, and Jeremy Davis. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elinor Sears Wilson of Buford, GA; daughters and son-in-law, Julie Wilson McBryant and Mike McBryant, Jill Wilson Anderson; grandchildren, Katie and John Gulisano, Danielle and John Mays, Jr., Ben McBryant, Megan Jo and William Bowers, and Andilee Anderson; great-grandson, Johnny Gulisano; brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard and Joyce Wilson, Harry and Sandra Wilson, Ruth Wilson; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Sue Sears Southerland, Beverly Miller Sears, Lynne Sears and Tommy Davis, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Herbie was born in Buford, GA, and graduated from Buford High School in 1951. He served in the U.S. Army for two years. He was employed by Sears & Roebuck as a department manager of furniture for 30 years, served as a volunteer fireman in Buford's first Volunteer Fire Department, a charter member and former President of the Buford Lion's Club, and recently served as Vice-Chairman of the Buford City Zone Appeals Board. Herbie was deeply involved with serving Buford First Baptist Church as a deacon, as elected Deacon Emeritus in 2004, and as a member of the sanctuary choir and Silvertone Choir. He was also a member of the Abundant Life. In addition, he served as a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School director, and enjoyed serving in every capacity at Buford First Baptist Church. Overall, Herbie loved Buford and enjoyed cheering on the Buford Wolves, no matter the season or sport. Other activities he enjoyed included traveling; he was a member of Georgia Mountaineers and Holiday Ramblers. His travels with his wife and family included the continental United States, Hawaii, Alaska, countless Caribbean cruises and many European countries. One of his favorite pastimes was "manicuring the lawn" and growing his immaculate gardens, where he enjoyed visits with his family. Herbie is now at peace with the Lord he served in every aspect of his life, and we know he is enjoying all of his loves in eternal paradise. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Buford First Baptist Church. Family will receive friends on Friday, April 29, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Flanigan Funeral Home in Buford, and on Saturday, April 30, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Buford First Baptist Church, with the Memorial service to follow at 1 p.m. To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by: Junior E. Flanigan, Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.