Remembering Ed Wilson (1923-2024)

Dear students, faculty and staff,

Last night, longtime retired Professor of English and Provost Emeritus Edwin G. Wilson (’43) passed away at the age of 101. Appropriately known as “Mr. Wake Forest,” no one has been more closely associated with Wake Forest University or told its story more eloquently and passionately for the last half century than Dr. Wilson.

A man of extraordinary character, grace, and wisdom, Dr. Wilson has been a beloved and influential figure at Wake Forest for more than 80 years. He represented the best of Wake Forest and had a profound impact on the University, Winston-Salem and North Carolina. He has inspired generations of students to love poetry, value community and care deeply about Wake Forest. In speeches, class lectures and conversations, his eloquent voice moved us to be better thinkers and better people.

As a gifted storyteller, an enthusiastic advocate for the arts, a steadfast fan of Demon Deacon sports and the foremost keeper of Wake Forest’s history, he had a love for and a commitment to the University that was unmatched.

We have established a remembrance website – edwilson.wfu.edu – where members of our community can share memories and leave condolences. The site also features details about Dr. Wilson’s remarkable life, photos, and links to past stories about him and his impact on Wake Forest. 

The Wilson family is planning a memorial service on May 3, 2024, at 11 a.m., in Wait Chapel. The service will be open to the public. Additional details will be posted on the remembrance site when they are available. 

On behalf of our entire community, I extend my deepest sympathy to the entire Wilson family. 

Sincerely,

Susan R. Wente
President