David Wilson III

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of a great man and gentle soul, who has resided in Hollywood, MD for over 50 years. David Wilson, “Dave”, passed away on December 9, 2023 in Callaway, MD. Born on September 24, 1936 in Philadelphia, PA, where he spent his youth, he was the son of the late David Wilson, Jr. and the late Catherine Marie Wilson. In 1953, two days after his high school graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy. During his 22 years of service, he fought in the Vietnam War and retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in 1975. Later, he retired from a career in Civil Service, where he made many lasting friendships. David met his bride, Joan Ann Cameron Wilson, of Hollywood, MD, in 1958 and they wed at St. John’s Catholic Church. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this past August. His children, Stephen C. Wilson (Beverly) of Hollywood, MD, Angela McCreary (Mark) of Charleston, SC, the late Brian Wilson, and Kathleen “Kate” Deroche (David) of Mechanicsville, MD, are forever grateful and blessed to have such a devoted father, grandfather, and friend. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren who grew up with his humor, wisdom, and loving spirit; Beth Martin (Kelsey) of Hughesville, MD, Jonathan Martin (Bianca) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Kassie Irwin (Johnny) of Ireland, Adam Martin (Mae Mae) of Awendaw, SC, Ben Martin (Makaela) of Charleston, SC, David Wilson (Chen) of Katy, TX, Joanann Dedge (Daniel) of Altha, FL, Maria Kirby (Sam) of Niceville, FL, Andrea Deroche of Mechanicsville, MD, and Erin Deroche (Daniel) of Mechanicsville, MD, and his nine great grandchildren who were the highlight of his later years. In his younger years he ran many marathons and later competed in the Senior Olympics. Softball was also a big part of his sport and social life. Dave was also a blood donor and regularly donated platelets. He received an award for his 150th donation at Bethesda Naval Hospital. He always said he just “wanted to help a fellow sailor in need”, and he did. Dave led his family with faith and moral integrity, teaching invaluable life lessons, the pursuit of happiness, and, most important, to love unconditionally. He’s their forever role model and lives on always in the hearts of all who loved him. Fair Winds and Following Seas. Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s and/or St. John’s Catholic Church. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 26, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM in St. John’s Catholic Church, Hollywood, MD, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM with Father Ray Schmidt officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Jonathan Martin, Adam Martin, Benjamin Martin, and David Wilson. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.