Douglas Wilder of Jonesville VA, 82, passed away on Thursday, August 7, 2025, after a long illness. He was born on August 13th, 1942 to the late George & Verda (Craft) Wilder.
Doug was born in Keokee, VA and lived the majority of his life in Southwest VA. Doug was an entrepreneur, starting many companies after being discharged from the US Air Force and U. S. Army, including strip mining. He loved dozer work and old cars, but most of all he loved being with his family. He loved life, people and loved the Lord. He attended church at the Praise Worship Center in Rose Hill, VA.
He was preceded in death by a son, Stephen Wilder; parents, George and Verda Wilder; brother, Eddie Wilder; sister Joan Trollinger; niece, Melissa Wilder Brall; nephew James “Jamie” E. Watts; father & mother-in-law James "Mont" and Myrtle Redmond.
Doug leaves behind loving wife of 64 years, Shirley; two sons, Robert Wilder (Cindy) of New Tazewell, TN and Mark Wilder (Lisa) of Pounding Mill VA; one daughter, Michelle Thomas (Chad) of Jonesville VA; brother, Billly Ray Wilder (Judy) of Keokee, VA; 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; several cousins, nieces and nephews, whom he dearly loved.
The family will receive friends from 5:00pm – 7:00pm Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Avenue, W., Big Stone Gap, VA. The funeral service will follow at 7:00pm with Pastor Danny Wilder and Pastor Matthew Clark officiating.
Military graveside rites, by the Virginia National Guard Honors Team and local V.F.W. and D.A.V. posts, will be held at 1:00pm on Monday, August 11, 2025, at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens. Family and friends are asked to assemble at Gilliam Funeral Home by 12:30 to travel in procession to the cemetery.
Pallbearers will be family and friends.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Douglas Wilder.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.