by Mel Griffith

Bradley County lost a true public servant with the recent death of County Commissioner Eddie Wilson. While Eddie had served only a short time on the commission, that service was only the most recent in a lifetime of unselfish contributions to his fellow man. Eddie had a long history of service to the public, especially his fellow farmers.

Eddie ran a large and complex farm operation. And no one's farm work is ever all done. It takes a major effort for a farmer to find time to contribute to society. However, Eddie had a history of involvement and leadership in many farm organizations as well as other community service. His fellow Bradley County farmers recognized his contributions by inducting him into the Bradley County Agricultural Hall of Fame.

In the early 1990's, Eddie was a driving force in the establishment of the Bradley County Fire Department, which has proven so valuable to rural residents.

Eddie was also a devoted family man, whose family carries on his tradition of public service in many ways.

We will miss Eddie, but his contributions will long survive him and extend far beyond Bradley County.