Simpson”Sim” Ownbey Wilde

Family, friends and colleagues mourn the loss of Simpson Ownbey Wilde Jr., 83, of Rocky Mount who died Jan. 28, 2012 at Nash General Hospital. He was born Oct. 30, 1928. A dedicated father, husband and friend, he was an intellectual beacon for those who knew him. A native of Asheville, Wilde was the son of Winifred Price and Simpson O. Wilde Sr. He attended Mars Hills College and held a bachelor's degree from Appalachian and State Teachers College, and a master's degree from Western Carolina. In 1966, he received his doctorate in education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he also directed the evening college. In 1948, he married his first wife, Ruby Comer. He and his late wife raised four daughters. He continued to distinguish himself in academics after arriving in Rocky Mount in 1966, where he joined the education faculty of North Carolina Wesleyan College, helping to expand the program. In 1975, he became professor of education and chairman of the Division of Education and Experimental Programs. He also served as vice president for academic affairs and academic dean, as well as directing the Title III program. He retired from Wesleyan College in 1982. In 1981 he married Erwin Robbins of Machaven in Rocky Mount and became stepfather to her two daughters. He was a prolific writer, author of "Snyder's Letters," a novel; "Six Steps for Reforming America's Schools;" and "Riches," a poetry collection. He also documented excavation of the wrecked Queen Anne's Revenge off the North Carolina coast. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Erwin; sisters, Alice Wilde Sluder and Kathy Wilde Fayssoux and husband, Pete, all of Asheville; daughters Dina Wilde-Ramsing and husband, Mark; Kim Morgan; Jackie Nichols and husband, Spruce, all of Wilmington; and Dixie Wyant and husband, Steve, of Raleigh; stepdaughters Marion Blackburn, of Greenville, and Walton Blackburn Spoor and husband, Richard, of Raleigh; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren. Family will greet friends at 5 p.m. Jan. 30, 2012 at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 North Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount. A memorial celebration of his life will take place at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to WCPE classical music station, at Box 897, Wake Forest, N.C. 27588, email [emailprotected] Memorial contributions may also be made to the Environmental Defense Fund at Membership and Public Information, 1875 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20009. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Monday 1/30, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Service Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Monday 1/30, 6:00 pm