We are mourning the loss of our dear friend, Danny Wilson. He touched the lives of so many of us. He will be greatly missed.
Daniel Monroe Wilson, 68, of Brasstown passed away Sunday, August 18, 2019 in a Murphy care facility. He was born August 5, 1951. The first of four children of the late Eleanor Lambert Wilson and Herman Monroe Wilson, Danny lived most of his adult life on the farm in Brasstown. With his parents, he was a founding member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Hayesville.
Danny loved to cook. He worked at various restaurants in the area before beginning a 25 year career in the dietary department at Murphy Medical Center where he is remembered for “going way beyond his duties to do extra special things for the employees” and for the patients.
He was also known for his love of gardening. Working as the “Chief Mower” at the John C. Campbell Folk School from 2002 to 2011, his dedication and hard work were evident in the beauty of the campus.
Everyone knew Danny as he walked everywhere he went. He appreciated everyone who gave him rides. Danny was known as the perennial judge for the Annual Possum Drop at Clay’s Corner in Brasstown after his win as the Possum Queen of 2000. An avid folk dancer, Danny spent many Friday evenings at the Folk School in his “red dancing shoes” often helping others learn the steps. Another hobby he loved was bowling with his friends and he participated in league tournaments. He bowled a perfect game in 1995.
Danny will be remembered for the love and kindness that he showed others, his pride and appreciation for his friends, and an ability to find joy and meaning in life which allowed him to rise above any obstacle. He was loved by everyone.
He is survived by his three siblings, Eleanor Anne Wilson Harper of Timonium, Maryland, John Herman Wilson of Danville, Kentucky, and Florence Wilson Atwood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; six nieces and nephews, Ben, Catherine, James, Anne, Sarah, and David.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 26, 2019 in the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd with Rev. Bill Breedlove officiating.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 Sunday evening at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Daniel Monroe Wilson to the John C. Campbell Folk School, Danny Wilson Memorial Dance Scholarship, One Folk School Road, Brasstown, NC 28902 or The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Garden Fund, PO Box 677, Hayesville, NC 28904.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.
Danny loved to dance. Here he is (collarless plaid shirt, upper center) in a photo taken at a community dance in the Keith House Community Room in 1964. Also pictured: In rear, Joan Holland dances with dad Wayne and brother Wayne Jr. At left front in white shoes is Mary Ellen Smith. Others unidentified.
Donate to the Danny Wilson Dance Scholarship
The family requests that any memorial gifts benefit the Danny Wilson Dance Scholarship. Make checks payable to John C. Campbell Folk School, referencing Danny Wilson Dance Scholarship on the Memo/For line. Mail to: Development, John C. Campbell Folk School, 1 Folk School Rd., Brasstown, NC 28902.
Cory Marie Podielski is a freelance graphic designer, photographer, and writer for the John C. Campbell Folk School. She has been writing for the Folk School Blog since 2012 and enjoys interviewing artists, musicians, and craftspeople. In her spare time, she enjoys playing the banjo, dancing, printmaking, playing in clay, and assisting in Folk School bread baking classes. podielski.com
I am so sorry to hear of Danny’s death. It was a rare night when we went dancing in the late 1970s and 1980s that Danny was not there again with his hand extended inviting a partner to dance. I mean the man came to dance! Indeed he was like a host to the Saturday night and Tuesday night dances, and I don’t think there were many that he did not already know the figures for.
Beth I. Davis
Danny was a wonderful dancer and gentleman! I looked forward to a dance with him every night of Dance Musicians’ Week for many years. I’ve waved at him sitting in front of Clay’s Corner as I depart Brasstown on Saturday mornings after a fun week at the Folk School. I will miss him!!!!
Cory Marie/Keather,
Most appropriate! Thanks for a job well done.
Rooney Floyd