John Howard Wilson

The true heroes of the world are those people who do things, often quietly and behind the scenes, to help others. John Howard Wilson is a true hero. Through his patriotic service in the United States Marine Corps, his steadfast love for his friends and family, and his keen understanding of people suffering from the disease of addiction, John made a tremendous difference in our world. Born on February 15, 1934, in Kansas City Missouri, John was the only son of Percival “Pete” Lowe Wilson and Helen Greene Wilson. The family lived in Leavenworth, Kansas, before John’s father served for the second time, as a decorated Marine in a World War. The family moved to Mobile in 1946 and built the first modern house in Montrose, Alabama, where John lived until his death. John, a high school graduate of the Kentucky Military Institute, volunteered for service in the Marine Corps, where he was assigned to the National Security Agency at Fort Meade, Maryland. He then attended the University of Alabama. John was a kind and caring man. He was wise, compassionate, funny and completely genuine. John had the gift of a stellar sense of humor, with a dry wit, that surprised and delighted everyone he met. His devotion to his wife, Prissy, is unparalleled. Their relationship is a true testament to the power of faith, hope and love. John was a successful businessman, but more importantly, he gave of himself to help others. Motivated by his own experience, John shared his strength and hope with others, conducting interventions and helping countless people find grateful and joyful lives in recovery from addiction. A close friend said, “John is the man who made it fashionable to be a recovering alcoholic in Mobile.” He was highly respected nationally as an icon in the field of addiction recovery. He served as Chairman of the Board of the National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence, was recognized as “the most valuable volunteer of 1980” by the Alabama Council on Alcohol & Drug Dependence, on whose Board he served as its President, and also served as President of the Board of Directors of the local Drug Education Council. John left the world a little better because he lived. This is the true meaning of success. John also served as a founding trustee on the Joseph Treadwell Charitable Foundation, at the request of Joe T, to be his “member in recovery”. John served on many charitable boards and was a member of several local mystic societies. He is a Past President of the Country Club of Mobile and is credited with rebuilding the Club in the aftermath of Hurricane Frederic. In 1996, John and his wife Prissy were invited to attend an annual fundraising luncheon for the Houston Council on Recovery. They were spellbound at this elegant event which featured prominent celebrities telling their story of addiction and recovery. John and Prissy discussed the possibility of such an event in Mobile. Together, they founded the Drug Education Council’s Annual Luncheon, which will celebrate its hugely successful 25th event next year. This was only possible through the generous support of the Joseph Treadwell Foundation and the dedication and hard work of a committee of prominent Mobilians. John was the recipient of the first Watson Guy Award, presented at the 1997 Luncheon. John is the father of four children, Lisa Collins (Perry), John Howard Wilson, Jr. (Sally), Helen Gaye Wilson, and Laurel Ann Wilson (Chrissie Martin), four grandchildren, Rob Collins (Elizabeth), Sarah Springs (Matt), and Audrey and Helen Wilson, and two great grandchildren, Lowe and Montgomery Springs. Prissy will be forever indebted and grateful to John’s son, Howard, for all his love and help in the care of his Dad, and to her dearest friend, Jean Boles, for her loving care of both Prissy and John, and for helping them through the last days of John’s life. John’s hospice nurses, Loretta and Cathy, were so kind and helpful through his final days with us. The family home’s flag is at half-mast in his memory. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Drug Education Council, 3000 Television Avenue, Mobile, AL 36606.