Benjamin Ulmer Wilson

Ben U. Wilson, of Decatur, Georgia, died peacefully Wednesday, September 23, 2026. He was 99 years old. Ben was the devoted husband of the late Eleanor Grizzard Wilson, who died in April, 2013. He was also the beloved father of Ben Wilson, Jr. (Nancy Campbell); Linda Wilson Parisi (Paul Parisi); the late Debra Wilson Thiele (Patrick Thiele); and Dr. Robert Wilson (Esther Wynne). Ben is survived by seven grandchildren: Georgia, Leland, Laura, Eric, Sarah, Jake and Abigail; and eight great grandchildren: Amaya Grace, Freya, Anders, Vera, Adam, Harper, Nora and Aurora.

Over the years, Ben exuded a natural warmth and openness that won him life-long friends and admirers wherever he roamed. He was a long-time, active member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church where he was involved in the Cursillo movement and served as an usher for many years. Earlier in his life, he was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Decatur, and the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Atlanta.

In his later years, Ben lived at King'sBridge Retirement Community in Atlanta, where he made numerous friends and was lovingly watched over by the dedicated caregivers in the Assisted Living unit. He often expressed his deepest love and appreciation for the exceptional care and friendship he received from the entire King'sBridge staff.

Born February 11, 1927, to James William and Loraine Wrigley Wilson, Ben was the youngest of 10 children. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1944 and served as a quartermaster aboard the Auxiliary Fleet Tug, USS Algorma ATA 212. Following his honorable discharge in 1945, he returned to Atlanta where he married his childhood sweetheart, Eleanor "Snooky" Grizzard. Ben began his career as a professional photographer, before becoming a salesman for a number of food service companies. He often attributed much of his success in sales to the education he received early in his career through the Dale Carnegie Leadership Training courses.

Perhaps more than anything, Ben will be remembered for his optimism, sharp wit, perseverance, discipline, gratitude and strong work ethic. Over the years, he gave generously of his time, talent and treasure. Countless patients benefited from his donations of platelets to the American Red Cross - a total of 156 times. Also, Ben worked for many years as a construction volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, building and assembling wood framing at their fabrication shop.

Despite losing his vision in 2022, Ben continued to live an active, vibrant life, spending time with family and friends, attending concerts and participating in scheduled activities at King'sBridge. He faced huge challenges in his day-to-day living. But in spite of these hurdles, he greeted old friends and newcomers alike with a warm smile and a genuine interest in their lives. Even until the end of his life, Ben often talked about being thankful for the many blessings he had received.

Over the years his friends and relatives often expressed their appreciation for the example Ben provided in the way he lived his life. For those who were fortunate enough to know him, Ben Wilson was a friend, a confidant and a source of inspiration. And for many, he was a beloved hero.

A Mass in celebration of Ben's life will be held at 11:00 am, November 20, 2026, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 2855 Briarcliff Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice, or to the King'sBridge Retirement Community. In the memo line, please write, "In memory of Ben Wilson." Checks can be mailed to:

King'sBridge Retirement Community

3055 Briarcliff Road NE

Atlanta, GA 30329