James Edward “Eddie” Wilson Jr., 70, passed away Tuesday, June 12, 2018, at Merit Health River Region.

He was born in Vicksburg, where he lived his entire life.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, James Edward Wilson Sr. and Josie Irene Thornton Wilson; and a sister, Joy Wilson.

He is survived by a brother, Lonnie Wilson, Decatur, Ga.; sister, Judy Ruben (Mike), Pearl; half-brother, Joe Vinzant; and half-sister, Linda Vinzant Petty.

He worked in construction for several companies, worked as a deckhand on the Mississippi River boats, and for Floyd Kelly Auctions.

Eddie was of the Christian Faith, attending several churches in the Vicksburg area, including Gibson Memorial, Woodlawn Baptist, Highland Baptist, Jubilee Revival Center and First Baptist Church.

He was well known and loved by the merchants along Washington St. He always had a smile and a kind word for the people he met there.

Pallbearers will be James Hill, Jimmy Knight, Stan Dye, Tommy Davis, Scott Smith and Martin Pace.

Graveside services will be at Cedar Hills Cemetery (third gate) Friday, June 15, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. with the Rev. Ernie Hall conducting the service. A memorial reception in his honor will be held immediately following the services at the River City Rescue Mission at 3705 S. Washington Street.

Frank J. Fisher Funeral Home has charge of the services.