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Condolences:
Melvin Burns
On behalf of the late Lester Burns Sr, Patricia Burns Robertson, and the boys. We extend sincere condolences on the passing of Wilson. We are just now learning of his passing. He was and still remains a true friend of the Burns family. He and Kingfish are now fishing together in heaven. God bless the family.
Wilson Rose Tennille, Sr.
2020-03-16
Mr. Wilson R. Tennille, Sr., 77 of Fernandina Beach passed away Saturday, Marc 14, 2020 at his home.
Mr. Tennille was born in Winston-Salem, NC and was son of the late Norton F. and Margaret Rose Tennille
He was raised in Winston-Salem and after graduation from Richard J. Reynolds High School he attended University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
In his role as a sales representative for the Dempster Company, Wilson came to Amelia Island in the early �70�s and helped impellent and design a sanitation system and service for a new development, Amelia Island Plantation.
His vision for the future of Amelia Island allowed him to start Nassau Sanitation. He later created Plantation Services, a landscape and design company that serviced Amelia Island Plantation.
Among his many accomplishments, Wilson�s development of Palmetto Walk Shopping village was special to him. A collection of unique restaurants and shops set among beautiful historic oak trees is an example of his long term vision for Amelia Island. Wilson was a true �Southern Gentleman�, impeccably dressed regardless of what he was doing, he served as a mentor to many through his life.
Wilson thoroughly enjoyed being able to fish, whether it was fishing in the Abacos or fishing off his dock, it was his favorite past time. The only thing he loved more than fishing were his many dogs he had over the years. He loved all animals, but his dogs held a special place in his heart.
Wilson had a great sense of humor and was an amazing story teller. He was also the originator of what became known by his friends and family as �Wilsonisms�, such sayings as �he who shoots at nothing is sure to hit it� were representative of the advice he had to offer though �Wilsonisms�.
He leaves behind his wife of 26 years, Terri Gray Tennille; his son, Wilson R. Tennille, Jr and his wife Lynn, daughter, Cassandra B. Tennille and her husband Michael Welling, daughter, Avalee J. DeLay and her husband Scott; grandchildren, Ellington Rose Tennille, Margaret Rose Margeson, Louis Minahan Margeson and Elizabeth Gray DeLay; brothers, Ben Tennille and his wife Marty and Norton Tennille and his wife Jane.
A service and celebration of his life will be scheduled sometime in May and will be announced when finalized.
His family requests that if so desired, donations may be made in Wilson�s name to Nassau Humane Society, 639 Airport Road, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034 or Community Hospice of N.E. Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32257.
Memories
CHRIS BRYAN March 16, 2020
I am so sorry about the loss of Wilson. Prayers for his family.
MARY ALICE SOUTHWICK March 16, 2020
A fine man and a good neighbor
TAMMY STEWART March 17, 2020
My condolences to the Tennille family. Mr. Wilson was a great man. My family worked for him for many years. May God bless you all
SCOTT GRIFFITH March 17, 2020
Deep sympathy for Norton and Ben. A brother is a brother.
JOSIE DEAL March 17, 2020
A true Southern Gentleman and was blessed to have TERRI as his wife. She makes life better for many. Wilson will be missed. He did so much for our community..
RACHEL BLAIN March 17, 2020
Love to all in Wilson�s family. May your love for him and one another sustain you in this difficult time.
BETSY AND JAKE MICHAELIS March 17, 2020
Sending all of our thoughts and prayers to your family! Wilson was loved by so many in our community.
CHRIS NUTTALL AND ANNA EDELS March 17, 2020
All our best to Terri and the whole family. We will miss Wilson a great deal on Lubbers
JOHN AND MICHELE HOLBROOK March 17, 2020
Terri please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!
VICKY MCLAUGHLIN March 17, 2020
My deepest condolences to Wilson�s family! May you Rest In Peace.
BRAD GOBLE March 17, 2020
I met Wilson shortly after I moved here in 2001. Wilson was a straight shooter but didn�t seem to take anything too seriously, except enjoying life. He made me laugh.
CRAIG RODGERS March 17, 2020
So sorry to hear this. He was most kind to me. His family will be in my prayers.
CYNTHIA ROBERTSON March 17, 2020
Terri I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and love to you and the entire family??????
LORETTA PINDER March 17, 2020
So sorry to hear of Mr. Tennille passing, My condolence to his family,
KIM CARTER March 18, 2020
I am grateful to have known this man and had the pleasure of caring for his dogs. He truly was one-of-a-kind. I hope he�s slaying them in Heaven�.
MARGO STORY March 18, 2020
My sincere condolences to the family��..may the perpetual light shine upon Wilson.
RICK AND LISA SPENCER March 18, 2020
Thinking of you all at this time. We know he will be missed by many! Sending love and prayers�
CRYSTAL CRAIG March 18, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. A good man. I loved taking care of your precious dogs all those years ago ??
WALT, SUSAN AND ALLISON GOSSETT March 18, 2020
Such a wonderful friend, a great neighbor, a fun-loving vacation buddy, an exceptional businessman (and boss), and a true Southern Gentleman. Wilson will be missed beyond what words can express. Our love, prayers and unconditional support to Terri, Wilson Jr., Avalee, Cassandra, Ben and their families. We will forever remember his stories, wit, humor and Wilsonisms. May your beautiful memories bring you strength and peace. Rest peacefully dear friend.
TOM WHEELER, MARIA, THOMAS, AND WILSON March 18, 2020
Met Wilson about 1986 and yes first meeting involved fishing and his new dog. Since have fished all over with Wilson and his posse from near Hudson Bay to Venezuela including our favorite in Abaco. The passing of this fine man saddens and personally hurts all he knew him and especially Terri, Avalee, Wilson jr., Cassandra, Ben and Marty., and Norton. My bet is Wilson has figured out how to be fishing somewhere and Shasta, Khaki 1 and Rosie are close by. Probably making another long, long list for Terri, sporting perfect clothing and that mischievous smile. That constant Wilson smile will be so missed because we all knew he was always thinking about stirring something up on everybody. MISS YOU BUDDY, YOU LEFT WAY TOO EARLY.
PAM BELL March 18, 2020
I was so sad to hear of Wilson�s passing. Praying for Terri and all the family.
WYATT PRINGLE March 18, 2020
I remember the 1st and only time I met him, he treated us like a friend.
DONNA PANUCCI March 18, 2020
I am so sorry for you loss, Terri. What an amazing man and inspiration to all. Love to you and your family.
BILL ESKRIDGE March 20, 2020
Norton, Ben, and family,
So sorry to learn of Wilson�s passing.
Great memories of a great guy.
CHARLES PLITT March 20, 2020
My sincere condolences to the family on Wilson�s passing.
MARCY MOCK March 20, 2020
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR THE ENTIRE TENNILLE FAMILY. I KNOW WILSON WILL BE MISSED.
DIRECTOR March 20, 2020
Please offer my condolences, great guy, great family
Mosby Vogler
MARY COLEMAN WEAVER March 20, 2020
My 95 year old mother was telling me about Wilson as a little boy when living at Cloverdale Apartments. He befriended everyone and would report news back to his mother and mine as well as to who was �bagnat� (pregnant), and anything else that might be going on. His mother was my godmother and our families go back over seven decades. So sorry for the loss of a fun loving, southern gentleman.
SANDY FIERRO March 22, 2020
I�m so very sorry, Terri. I use to work at Palmetto Walk. Wilson was a true gentle and good man. May God comfort you and your family. So very sorry.
KAY AND ROBERT LASSITER April 20, 2020
Terri, I was so sorry to hear this news. Please accept our condolences.
REGINA M. HILL MOORE May 7, 2020
Terri, I am just learning of Wilson�s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences and prayers of comfort to you and the family.
PATSY WILLIAMS May 7, 2020
Terri, we send our deepest sympathy. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers
PATSY WILLIAMS AND RICHARD NOBLES May 7, 2020
Terri, we send our deepest sympathy. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers
MICHELLE CORBETT May 7, 2020
I am sorry for your loss. I worked with Wilson for many years through the annie selke companies and I will deeply miss his calls. He had a contagious laugh, and I loved his stories! Terri and Wilson Jr you are in my thoughts and prayers
PATRICIA WALKER PLAISTED May 7, 2020
I am so sorry to learn of Wilson�s death. I grew up with him in Winston-Salem. He was a special friend. My heart goes out to all of his family.