GEORGETOWN - Barkley Ernest Wilson passed away on Nov. 2, 2017, at Christiana Hospital in Newark.
Mr. Wilson was the eldest son of the late Ernest and Grace Fleetwood Wilson of Coolspring, where he grew up on a farm with his brother Elmer and his sister Shirley.
After graduating from Lewes High School in 1953, Barkley entered the United States Coast Guard and subsequently served on Sun Oil ships with the Merchant Marines traveling to ports all over the world.
Upon returning home, Barkley and his brother Elmer Wilson started a logging business and worked side by side for over 25 years. He then became an equipment operator for DelDot for 17 years before finally retiring.
In 1999, Barkley married Helen Pryor and they enjoyed working in the garden, cooking up the bounty of their work to share with family and friends or attending church together.
Barkley was widowed three times, and preceded in death by Mary Whealton, Bonnie Pryor and Helen Pryor. Barkley is survived by his loving daughter, Lisa Dorey; step sons, Billy Schaeffer and Eddie Schaeffer; his devoted sister, Shirley and brother in law Robert Givens; his best friend and brother, Elmer Wilson; as well as the apple of his eye his grandchildren, William Dorey, Christopher Dorey and Grace Dorey.
Services will be held at Calvary Baptist Church in Georgetown on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the funeral beginning at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at Harbeson Cemetery.
Flowers are welcomed or contributions can be made in his name to: Calvary Baptist Church, 22860 Dupont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947.
Electronic Condolences may be made via www.watsonfh.com