Coach Jayson Ladon Wilson

Coach Jayson Ladon Wilson, aged 59, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 in his home. Jayson, commonly known as Jay, was born to Ladon and Betty Wilson, on February 15, 1965, in Columbus, Georgia. He graduated from Hardaway High School in 1983, and continued his education at Columbus College, earning a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 1987. He married his wife, Tracy, on September 12, 1987, after meeting each other while working at Gayfers. Jay later worked at Liberty National Insurance, and then returned to Columbus State University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education in 1999.

God, his family, his school, and his students have consistently been Jay’s top priorities in life. He grew up at Hilton Terrace Baptist Church. When moving back to Columbus 28 years ago, he and Tracy planted their life at Britt David Baptist Church, where they raised their children and where he served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher.

Jay had many titles in his life, but his favorite role was being a father and grandfather. He loved nothing more than spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was constantly there for them: pointing them to the Lord, giving advice, providing encouragement, and making them laugh with his dad jokes. His children knew that he would do anything for them and they could always count on him.

Jay was an educator for 27 years, as a history teacher, physical education teacher, and athletic director. He spent 2 years at South Girard in Phenix City, 6 years at Blackmon Road Middle School, and dedicated 17 years to Veterans Memorial Middle School. In addition to teaching, he coached football, basketball, track, baseball and softball. Although he thoroughly enjoyed coaching sports teams, his main focus was to share the love of Jesus with each and every one of his students and athletes, while also teaching them life lessons that would guide them in the future.

Coach Wilson has impacted generations of families across the community, through serving at his church, teaching school, and coaching and umpiring at Pioneer Little League.

In his free time, he loved watching the Georgia Bulldogs, golfing, fishing, hunting, working in the yard, but most of all he enjoyed precious time with his family.

Jay was preceded in death by his father, Ladon Wilson. His loving spirit is carried on by his wife of 36 years, Tracy Sinquefield Wilson; his three children, Aaron (Keshia) Wilson, Mary Beth (Elijah) Richardson, and Madison (Ruben) Ramirez; his two grandchildren, Wilson Ramirez and Walker Richardson; his mother, Betty Connor Wilson; and his older sister, Alison (Ken) Worthington.

To honor Jay’s memory, visitation will be held at McMullen Funeral Home on Thursday, May 23, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. Funeral Services will be held at Britt David Baptist Church on Friday, May 24, at 2:00 PM, with Dr. Tim Jones officiating. Burial will follow at Parkhill Cemetery.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24

Those so desiring may send contributions to Britt David Baptist Church in memory of Jay.