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Simpson”Sim” Ownbey Wilde

October 30, 1928 ~ January 28, 2012

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

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  1. Dear Mrs. Wilde,Jackie and families, I was so sad to hear of your loss and know that he will be missed by all of you. Know that he was loved and admired by many that knew of all of his contributions to both Wesleyan and Rocky Mount. Nothing can fill your void but know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Georgia Miller Phillips

  2. Dear Erwin and family, Thelma and I are stunned to learn of Sim’s passing. How sad for all of you and for his many friends throughout the area. We would like to express to each of you our concern and our love. Sim was a fine man and a highly interesting friend to both of us. We join you in your sorrow. Sincerely, Thelma and Bill

  3. Dear Erwin, I’m saddened to learn of Sim’s death and want you to know of my sympathy and understanding. He was a gentleman of the highest rank who will be dearly missed by so many others as well as myself. His contributions to Wesleyan and Rocky Mount are well known to those of us who knew him. I join you now in sorrow, but also in celebration of his beautiful life. You’re in my prayers today and will be in days to come. Sincerely, Carlyle Gay

  4. I would not have graduated from Wesleyen if not for Sim Wilde. He was my advisor, mentor, and friend. He believed in me when others didn’t. He was a gentleman and scholar….there’s a special place i heaven for him. Gwynn Coppedge Freeman


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