Clayton H. "Cricket" Wilson, age 71, of 133 Cricket Drive, Zionville, died Saturday, August 25, 2012, at Johnson City Medical Center.

Mr. Wilson was born March 26, 1941 in Watauga County, a son of the late Baxter and Lily W. Wilson. He was a retired carpenter and a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Mr. Wilson served in the United States Army during Vietnam, Desert Storm, and Desert Shield. He was Guardsman Of The Year in 1984.

Mr. Wilson is survived by his wife, Bernice Pope Wilson of the home; one daughter, Christie Wilson Ward of Zionville; one granddaughter, Candace Ward Presnell and husband J.D. of Banner Elk; one grandson, Daniel Clayton Ward of Vilas; one great-granddaughter, Maddie Presnell of Banner Elk; one great-grandson, Jason Presnell of Banner Elk; three brothers, Burl Wilson and wife Bertha, and Jerry Wilson, all of Zionville, and Estel "Snook" Wilson and wife Etta of Lynchburg, Virginia; three sisters, Pearl Fletcher of Zionville, Emma Jean Blackburn and husband Bill of Boone, and Anna Bell Wilson and husband Asa of Zionville, and one sister-in-law, Wanda Wilson of Trade, Tennessee. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Iva Lee Wilson Reese, Edith Wilson, and Edna Wilson Tester, and three brothers, Henry, Jim, and J.B. Wilson.

Private graveside services and burial for Mr. Clayton Wilson will be conducted Monday evening, August 27, 2012, at 7:00 o'clock, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Officiating will be Reverend Steve Leashomb.

Open casket, for family and friends, will be held Monday afternoon, from 1:00 until 5:00 PM, at Hampton Funeral Service.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, in care of Renee Beach, 351 Burl Lawrence Road, Vilas, North Carolina, 28692.

Condolences may be made to the Wilson family at hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.