Niles Wilson

Niles Wilson, 87, of Westland, MI passed away February 22, 2021.

Niles Wilson was born on December 30, 1933 to Fred Wilson, Sr. and Patsy Bowie in Saint Louis, Missouri. He and his siblings were raised in Missouri until the family relocated to Chicago, Illinois.

On May 24, 1957, Niles enlisted in the United States Army, serving in the Private First Class (PFC) rank. After completing his enlistment, he later moved to Detroit, Michigan. Niles’s interest in cars and motorcycles afforded him the opportunity to begin working for the Ford Motor Company in October 1964. He worked at the Ford Motor Company Wayne Assembly Plant for over 30 years of service until his retirement.

As a son, brother, father and grandfather, Niles always worked hard to support his family. He took pride in being a wonderful father to his children, Sheila Mae Halcolm, Niles Halcolm, Lillian Ruth Erby, Kathy Erby, Cedric Erby, Ricky Erby and Vontellia Jones. Although he only had 7 children, he was highly regarded as a father-figure to many. He was affectionately known as ‘Puddin’ to those close to him but to his grandchildren, he was ‘Paw Paw’.

Niles was a humble man who found pleasure in the simple things in life. On any given day, he could be found in his bedroom solving crossword puzzles while watching western movies on television. Niles loved to travel and would often take trips to visit family back in Chicago. He was dependable, caring and wise. People often referred to Niles as a ‘good man’ because he touched the lives of so many over the course of his entire life and within his community.

Niles transitioned to his final place of rest on February 22, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents Fred Wilson and Patsy Bowie; one brother Woodrow Wilson; two sisters Jettie Wilson and Ethel Forther; and two of his children, Ricky Erby and Vontellia Jones. He leaves to cherish his memory a large family; three siblings, Willie Mae Honorable, Lena Mae Gray and Fred Wilson Jr.; five children, Sheila Halcolm, Niles Halcolm, Lillian Ruth Erby, Cedric Erby and Cathy Erby; 21 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. Though he may no longer be present on this side of heaven, Niles will forever be remembered and held in the hearts of those who loved him dearly.