A Life Well Lived: Wilson Price Burton, Jr., did not just live life—he celebrated it, EVERY… SINGLE… DAY! Born on November 26, 1949, in Nashville, Tennessee, and entered Eternal life on April 6, 2026, in Brentwood, Tennessee. Wilson spent 76 years showing others what it looked like to live with purpose, passion, and unshakeable faith.
To know Wilson was to feel encouraged, energized, and reminded of what truly matters. He was always positive—ALWAYS! No matter what the situation, he chose joy, enthusiasm, faith and a can-do attitude. He loved the outdoors, people, and above all, he loved God and Jesus Christ with his whole heart.
Wilson graduated from David Lipscomb High School (DLHS) in 1968. He was co-captain of the first DLHS Football Team his senior year, where he played both offense and defense for every play of the season, but one. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from David Lipscomb College in 1972. During his college days, he served in Circle K Service Club, was a member of Delta Nu Social Club, and was the Student Body President his senior year.
Wilson’s love for the outdoors only fell behind his devotion to God and his family. An avid and dedicated hunter and fisherman, he found his greatest joy in duck hunting—something he embraced with both passion and excellence. He was a Retired Tennessee State Duck Calling Champion and placed 4th in the World Championship Duck Calling Contest, accomplishments he carried with humility and pride. He also played a key role in helping create and improve multiple hunting clubs, fostering community and shared experiences in the outdoors. With a smile, he would often joke that duck hunting was his “biggest vice,” a reflection of the deep joy it brought him and the life he built around faith, fellowship, and the natural world.
His life was guided by a simple yet powerful question: “If Jesus were in my place, what would He do?” And he lived that out daily.
Wilson was a devoted husband to Trudy Joy Kent Burton and a proud father to April Joy Burton Hooker (Ian) and Wilson (Wil) Price Burton, III (Evelyn). Though he experienced loss with the passing of his infant son, Phillip Kent Burton, his faith never wavered. He is also survived by his sister, JaneLee Marie Burton Dozier (Dan), and a close-knit, extended family of nieces, nephews, and their children, all of whom he loved deeply. And was known to as, “Crazy Uncle Wilson” or “Gun Pop”.
He now joins in Eternity his parents, Wilson Price Burton, Sr., and Mary Orlene Wilson Burton, along with his beloved cousin, James D. (J.D.) Coffman, III, and many others.
Professionally, Wilson was an entrepreneur through and through. From his time as Vice President of Advertising at Nashville Magazine! (1972–1980), to his work in real estate, development of all kinds, and business ventures like Synergistics Concepts LLC, he approached every opportunity with energy and vision. He also used media as a platform for faith, producing the national Christian television special “I Want to Be Happy”. In addition, he played a key role in helping bring the television program “Spiritual Outdoor Adventures” to life.
He also spent time working alongside Ambassador Joe Rodgers in his Family Wealth Management office in a wide-ranging role that reflected his entrepreneurial spirit. Contributing to land transactions, business ventures, and a variety of strategic efforts that showcased his adaptability and drive. But titles never defined him. What defined Wilson was how he lived.
He served through Rotary Club, Tres Dias (communities around the world), Room in the Inn, Habitat for Humanity, and countless other efforts. He mentored as an Assistant Scoutmaster, taught, volunteered, and traveled on mission trips. He was an Eagle Scout, a veteran of the Air National Guard, and a lifelong servant leader to others.
Wilson and Joy have been devoted members of Harpeth Hills Church of Christ for almost 45 years, where they built long-lasting friendships and faithfully served their church community.
Wilson loved fun and had a way of making life fun for everyone. He loved BBQ and just about any dessert. He greeted life with phrases like “YEEHAW,” “Be Cheerful,” “Make Wise Choices,” and “Merry Christmas”, which he said all year long as a reminder of Christ’s love. And perhaps most of all, he lived out his belief, “Blessed to be a Blessing.”
Wilson’s life was not just well lived—it was well given to love, honor & serve all he came in contact with to the best of his abilities.
Visitation:
Friday, April 24th, from 4pm-7pm and Saturday, April 25th, from 10am-12pm
Graduation Celebration: Saturday, April 25th, at 12pm
Location: Harpeth Hills Church of Christ- 1949 Old Hickory Boulevard, Brentwood, TN 37027
In true Wilson fashion, guests are encouraged to wear colors or camouflage (versus black) and to come ready to share a 2-minute story, a laugh, or a memory, if they wish to.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor to a charity below are preferable:
Harpeth Hills Church of Christ: Either the Missions or Good Samaritan Funds. https://www.harpethhills.org/give
Second Mile Ministries (A 501C3- Spiritual Outdoor Adventures with Jimmy Sites.) https://www.jimmysites.com/donate
Burial: A private burial will be held with family.
His story does not end here. He simply graduated to Glory! Where he is now having his best adventures with Jesus!
Chris Neighbours, Funeral Director. Direct 615.426.5101 https://www.gardnermemorialchapelinc.com
For more obituaries visit https://davidsoncountysource.com/obituaries/
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