Lewis Edward Wilson

Pastor Lewis Edward Wilson, 88, of Fayetteville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 13, 2026. He was a devoted father, grandfather, pastor, businessman, and faithful servant of Jesus Christ who dedicated his life to sharing the Gospel and leading others to the Lord.

Wilson was born on April 27, 1938, in rural Harnett County to the late Neil R. Wilson and Thelma Sercy Wilson. He grew up working on the family farm and attended Boone Trail School. Soon after, he joined the United States Army, where he proudly served for six years.

Following his military service, Wilson became a businessman and entrepreneur in the Dunn area. His life took a profound turn when he gave his heart to the Lord and surrendered himself to Christian ministry. In the early 1970s, he planted Freedom Baptist Church in Fayetteville. He later planted Central Baptist Temple in Sanford, New Life Baptist Church in Hope Mills, and Grace Baptist Church in Perry, Georgia. Through each ministry, he sought to faithfully preach the Word of God and reach people with the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Wilson loved Jesus and loved his family deeply. He enjoyed classic cars and was well known for handing out Gospel tracts to share the love of Christ with anyone he met. He was a true prayer warrior and was passionate about seeing people come to know the Lord. One question he frequently asked was, “Do you know that you know that you know you are going to Heaven?”

After retiring from pastoral ministry, Wilson began Souls for Christ Ministry, through which he continued sharing the Gospel and pointing people to Jesus until the Lord called him home.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Bobby Wilson, LeRoy Wilson, J.R. Wilson, and Woody Wilson.

He leaves behind a loving family who will cherish his memory, including his sons, Anthony L. Wilson and wife, Trish; Jonathan E. Wilson and wife, Nakeisha; and James R. Wilson and wife, Jessica; his daughter, Lisa Oyer and husband, Duane; sister, Linda O’Quinn and husband Luther; 17 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 until 11:20 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, at West Fayetteville Baptist Church, immediately prior to the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Antioch Baptist Church, 6670 Old Hwy 421, Lillington, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to U.S. Church Planting, 2825 Ashland Rd., Columbia, SC 29210.

Online condolences may be made at www.jerniganwarren.com.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301.

Wilson spent his life planting churches, sharing the Gospel, praying for souls, and pointing others to Jesus. He has now heard the words he longed for: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” His earthly race is finished, but his testimony of faith and his love for Christ will continue through the many lives he touched.