Eugene Otto Wilson, Jr.

Eugene “Otto” Wilson, Jr. was born April 1, 1957, to Eugene Wilson, Sr., and Shirley (Wilkes) Mitchell from Brooklyn, New York.  He departed this earthly life to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 28, 2022, in Columbia, South Carolina.  

Otto was an only child, but he grew up with the love of several brothers and a sister from the Union of Willie and Shirley Mitchell. And for those that knew him well, his friends were also his brothers. Born and raised in East New York, Brooklyn, Otto joined the U.S. Army in 1975 and served his country until he retired in 1996, where he served our country form a total of twenty-one (21) years. After his retirement, Otto continued to serve as an Educator, teaching ROTC and serving as an AO Officer for the Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia, SC.  Mr. Wilson was also a member of the Masonic Order of Masons.  

Eugene “Gene” was preceded in death by his loving mother, Shirley W. Mitchell.

He  is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara (Porter) Wilson, who he met shortly after retiring from the U.S. Army uniting two families with love including; four loving (4) sons and three loving (3) daughters; Eugene Otto “O.J.” (Kimberly) Wilson,  III,  Antoine Woodrow (Crystal) Wilson, Travis Jerome (Ashley) Wilson, Joseph Porter, Leticia Williams, Latresia Perry and LaTonya Cheeks; His legacy continues in his grandchildren, Antoine Wilson, Jr., Catherine R. Wilson, Andrew J. Wilson, Justin E. Wilson, Ashlynn T. Wilson, Aria T. Wilson, Leland Cheeks, Brian Turner, Isiah Williams, Lacoria Williams, Temperance Williams, Jasmine Gandy, Jazaline Gandy, Kenya Gandy, Trevon Cheeks, Aaliyah Webber and Tayler Webber  who will carry on his passion for life. Otto was a very caring and generous person who really loved helping others in any way he could.

Family was important to him. He was a man of principal and made every moment an opportunity to learn. Always the life of the party, his spirit filled any room. He loved performing magic tricks in front of friends and family and it remained his passion throughout his life; a passion he had since childhood. Otto was also the ultimate tour guide, especially on trips with the grandchildren in New York City. He loved the outdoors and camping.

Eugene Otto Wilson was an educated man, a veteran and a world traveler and his love and memory will live on forever... In times of darkness, love sees... In times of silence, love hears... In times of doubt, love hopes... In times of sorrow, love heals... And in all times, love remembers. May time soften the pain Until all that remains Is the warmth of the memories and the love that he shared with each of us.

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