Wilson, Joseph Sealy, Sr., July 16, 1924 - October 13, 2017. Dr. Joseph S. Wilson, Sr. passed away peacefully at his residence on October 13, 2017, from complications of Parkinson’s disease. Joe was born in Sparks, Georgia, the third and youngest child of Louise Sealy Wilson and James Hargrove Wilson, a Methodist minister in the South Georgia Conference. He spent his childhood and adolescence in small and larger towns in South Georgia, graduating from Tipton High School in 1941. He enrolled in Emory University and completed his medical education in 1947, graduating at the age of 22, the first in his class. He spent a year of internship in St. Louis at Barnes Hospital, then returned to Atlanta to complete a Grady Hospital residency in internal medicine. In 1950, Joe married the love of his life, Ann Johnson, and began a two-year enlistment in the Army as captain in the Medical Corps. Returning to Atlanta, Joe accepted a position as a teaching fellow at Emory University Medical School. He devoted himself to heart and kidney research and was instrumental in the development of the artificial kidney machine, now referred to as dialysis. Joe’s expertise in research was exceeded only by his love of the practice of medicine, so when his friends and classmates Drs. Linton Bishop, Thomas Anderson, Daniel Hanky and William Douda invited him to join their private practice, he readily accepted. He practiced until his retirement in 1996 at the age of 72. He was widely respected by his colleagues and loved by his patients. In 1982, he and several other Georgia physicians founded Mag Mutual a physician-owned insurance company, which has since grown to be the eighth largest such company in the country. He served as chairman of the Claims Committee from its founding until his retirement in 1996. Following retirement, Joe and Ann traveled extensively and spent many wonderful weeks at their beloved beach house on Amelia Island. Joe is survived by his three children, Dr. Joe Wilson, Jr. (Sharon), Julia Madsen (Bill) and Brad Wilson (Kathy). He is also survived by six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Love of family was always at the center of his life. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, October 17, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at St. John United Methodist Church (550 Mt. Paran Rd. NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30327), with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers who tended to Joe with such skill and respect. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John United Methodist Church.
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Sponsored by H.M. Patterson & Son-Oglethorpe Hill Chapel.
October 21, 2017
Friend
Matt Gwynn
Dr. Wilson was a model physician to us and I was honored to have shared time with him in these last few years. Even in his time of struggling health he remained a gentleman and inspiration for living well. We physicians who knew him will do well to emulate his lessons
October 19, 2017
My sincere condolences are with your family in this time of deep sorrow. May God comfort your hearts and give you strength during the difficult days ahead. (2 Thessalonians 2:16,17)
Whiting
Atlanta, GA
October 17, 2017
Sheila Robinson
I met Dr. Joseph Wilson Sr late in his life and enjoyed talking with him when he visited Mag Mutual on board meeting days. I found him to be wise in thought and a kind and gentle soul. I always enjoyed our conversations. May he rest in peace and may his family find solace in a life well lived.
October 17, 2017
Robert & Medy Dornbush
Dr. Joe was a kind and compassionate person, a brilliant spiritual role model and a dedicated family man. He will truly be missed and we are so sorry for the family's loss, but we will always cherish & treasure the memories we have of time spent together with him.
October 17, 2017
Michael Greene
I was saddened to hear of Dr. Wilson Sr passing. He was a consummate gentleman and physician, and based on my experience with Dr Joe Wilson Jr an excellent parent. He will be missed my many
Mike Greene MD
October 17, 2017
Chuck Jonesboro
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your love one Joseph. May you find peace and comfort in the God of all comfort.
October 16, 2017
Chuck Jonesboro
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your love one Joseph. May you find peace and comfort in the words of God.
October 16, 2017
At John 11:24,25 God promises us the gift of eternal life in Paradise. May it bring you peace to know that you will be reunited with your loved ones again.
October 15, 2017
Louise Plagman
What an incredible man, we're so sorry for you loss.
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