Obituary: Lloyd Wilson Jr.

Lloyd Wilson Jr., age 99, of Oxford, Ohio, passed away on Sept. 30, 2026 at The Hospice Center in Hamilton, Ohio.

Born on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 1926, in Paw Paw, Michigan to Lloyd and Minerva (Coker) Wilson, Lloyd lived a remarkable life spanning nearly a century. He served his country in the United States Army and later retired from the Talawanda Public School System, where generations of students fondly knew him simply as “Shorty.” With his sense of humor and his ability to always find something funny to say or do, he left an impression on countless students and staff throughout his years at Talawanda.

Above all, Lloyd was a hardworking and devoted family man. Throughout his life, he often worked multiple jobs to provide for his family. He took great pride in making sure his wife and children never went without anything they needed. No matter how hard he had to work, taking care of his family always came first.

Lloyd shared his life with his beloved wife, Betty Wilson, who preceded him in death in 2018. Together, they raised their family in Oxford in the home that remained Lloyd’s home for the rest of his life. He was especially proud of his independence and of continuing to live in the home where he and Betty had raised their children. Well into his later years, he continued to drive, enjoy life on his own terms, and watch his beloved Westerns until the final months of his life.

Lloyd is survived by his three children, Chrystal (Edwin) Butler, Melissa (William) Sherman and Carter (Dawn) Wilson; six of his seven grandchildren; and a family joyfully awaiting the arrival of his first great-grandson. He is also survived by his brother, Albert Wilson of Fayetteville, North Carolina, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Wilson; his granddaughter, Camille Wilson; his parents, Lloyd and Minerva Wilson; and his siblings Ellen Warren, Ezra Wilson, Essie Ampey, Ivan “Butch” Wilson, Cyril Wilson, Lawrence Wilson, Ima Jean James, Susan Rile and Jerry “Sonny” Wilson.

Lloyd will be remembered for his remarkable work ethic, his humor, his independence and, most importantly, his unwavering devotion to his family. He spent his life making sure the people he loved were cared for and the example he set through his hard work and dedication will continue through the generations that follow him.

To generations of Talawanda students, he was “Shorty.” To those who loved him most, he answered to many names – Dad, Granddaddy, Pops, Junior and Uncle Jr. Each name reflected a different relationship, but all represented the same man: someone his family loved, respected, laughed with and could always depend upon.

After 99 years, Lloyd leaves behind a life defined not simply by its length, but by the family he provided for, the laughter he shared and the lives he touched. His legacy will live on through the generations that follow him.

This obituary was originally published by Paul R. Young Funeral Home.