Senate Resolution 1019
By: Senators Harbison of the 15th, Rhett of the 33rd, Parent of the 44th, Orrock of the 36th,
Harrell of the 40th and others
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the life and distinguished service of John Wesley Wilder, Jr.; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS, John Wesley Wilder, Jr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and
community leader, was born on August 28, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late John Wesley
Wilder, Sr. and Evelyn Eanes Wilder; and
WHEREAS, he received his early education in the Greater Cleveland School System before
answering the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army in 1960; and
WHEREAS, John Wilder rendered two decades of honorable and faithful military service,
retiring with distinction as a Sergeant First Class, during which time he served in numerous
critical roles, including Drill Sergeant at Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Airborne Instructor
at Fort Benning, Georgia; instructor at the 8th Army NCO Academy in Korea; and ROTC
Instructor at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, his military career took him across the globe, including assignments at Fort
Knox, Kentucky; Fort Benning, Georgia; Okinawa; Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Mainz,
Germany; Korea; and two tours of duty in Vietnam, where he demonstrated courage and
sacrifice in defense of this nation; and
WHEREAS, for his exemplary service and valor, he was the recipient of numerous
prestigious military honors and qualifications, including the Master Parachutist Badge,
Jumpmaster qualification, Pathfinder Badge, Drill Sergeant Badge, Combat Infantryman's
Badge, and the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat during the Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS, following his distinguished military career, he continued his commitment to
public service as a Civil Service employee for 24 years and furthered his education by
earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science from Troy University; and
WHEREAS, John Wilder has been an active and impactful member of numerous civic and
fraternal organizations, including serving as former president of the Men's Progressive Club;
a member of Sons of King Solomon #358 Masonic Lodge; Eddie L. Roberts American
Legion Post #333; former president of the Richard W. Williams Chapter of the Triple Nickle;
former state commander of the Donald R. Johnston Chapter of the Military Order of the
Purple Heart; and a dedicated member of the Lambda Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi
Fraternity, where he was honored as Omega Man of the Year in 2001; and
WHEREAS, he has faithfully served for more than 50 years as a devoted member of Greater
St. Mark A.M.E. Church, contributing his time and leadership to numerous ministries,
including the Steward Board, Trustee Board, Male Chorus, Mass Choir, Usher Board,
Kitchen Committee, and Finance Committee; and
WHEREAS, he is a man of deep family values, having shared over 60 years of marriage with
his beloved wife, Victoria P. Wilder, and together they have raised two sons, Michael K.
Wilder and Steven S. Wilder, and are the proud grandparents of three grandchildren,
William, Savannah, and Victoria; and
WHEREAS, the State of Georgia is proud to recognize and honor individuals such as John
Wesley Wilder, Jr. whose life of service, sacrifice, and dedication to community exemplifies
the very best of this nation and this state.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
commend John Wesley Wilder, Jr., for his extraordinary life of service and extend their
sincerest appreciation for his military, civic, and community contributions.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to John Wesley
Wilder, Jr.