Glenn Beachum Wilder II was born June 30, 1941 in Louisburg, North Carolina, to Glenn B. Wilder Sr. and Edna Earle Perry. He passed away Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2019, at the age of 78. He rests with Jesus the Christ, his Savior, Redeemer and Advocate to God the Father.
Glenn graduated from Hudson Bay High School, Vancouver, Washington, in June 1959 and enlisted in the United States Air Force on July 20, 1959. He served as jet aircraft engine mechanic at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Korea, and Kirkland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
He continued his education at Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he earned his Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe & Powerplant license and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida, with a graduate degree in Aeronautical Science and a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics with a specialization in Aviation/Aerospace Management. He worked consecutively in the jet engine repair business for TK International, NORDAM and eventually Pratt and Whitney retiring in 2007 after 37 years as Manager of Customer Technical Support.
After retirement he worked part-time assisting small manufacturing companies in obtaining FAA Repair Certification. In 2010 he was awarded the Charles Taylor Award for 50 years in aviation.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Purcell, Oklahoma. He served as teacher, Sunday School Director, Deacon, Vacation Bible School teacher, Financial Peace instructor, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, Oklahoma Disaster Relief volunteer, Oklahoma Public School substitute teacher, Public Librarian, and always supported Janet and his family on their mission trips. He served in various churches in Vancouver Washington, Japan, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Glenn was an avid writer, completing many short stories and an autobiography. He was an amateur photographer and loved seeing life from behind the camera lens. He loved aircraft of all types and was a walking encyclopedia of airplanes…never missing an airshow. He loved all things Porsche…owning several of them including and not limited to a currently restored 1964 356c that was his daily driver for 40+ years. One of his most memorable experiences after High School was the opportunity afforded to see most of the world while traveling in the USAF and on business.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Janet Moore Wilder; two sons, Glenn Beachum Wilder III, his wife, Melanie, and grandson, Beachum; Dr. James Shelton Wilder and his wife Deanna and grandsons, Shelton and Walker; six sisters; two brothers and many nieces and nephews.
A service of praise and thanksgiving will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, Purcell, Okla. with Dr. Preston Collins, Dr. Phil Holeman and Dr. Lee Hinson presiding.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church’s mission fund.
