Paul F. Wilson

DAPHNE, AL Paul F. Wilson of Daphne passed away peacefully, in his sleep, on October 5, 2010.   An ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), he served as a pastor for churches in Tennessee and Louisiana before beginning his extensive career in ecumenical programs for social justice and human rights.  He directed Migrant Ministries programs in Louisiana and Florida, then worked for agricultural community development in the Philippines before establishing the International Human Rights Program with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indianapolis in 1974.  In 1991 Paul moved to New York to direct the Human Rights Program for the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA (NCCCUSA), later becoming Director of the NCCCUSA Europe Office.  In this capacity he focused on humanitarian assistance in the war-torn areas of Eastern Europe, and served as moderator of the Churches Human Rights Programme for the Implementation of the Helsinki Final Act (Europe/USSR/Canada/USA), and subsequently the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Since Paul’s retirement in Daphne, he had the opportunity to pursue his love for tennis and for music.  He was very active in the tennis clubs of Lake Forest, Rock Creek and Point Clear and won Adult and Senior Championships in tournaments in Orange Beach, Destin, Florida, and the Alabama State Masters Games.  Paul was a talented tenor, singing in Musica Sacra in Mobile and soloing with the Baldwin Pops.  He is survived by his wife, Dede Wilson; his children, Michelle Athearn, David Wilson and James Wilson; five grandchildren; his brother and two sisters; along with family and friends from this area and around the world.   There will be a Celebration of the Life of Paul Wilson this Sunday, October 10, at 2:00 pm at Henry George Park on the bluff in Fairhope for all his friends and family.   Donations in lieu of flowers may sent to Musica Sacra, 7231 Carson Rd South, Mobile, AL 36695. ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC 19698 GREENO ROAD FAIRHOPE, AL 36532