MSGT Silas Sonny Wilson, USAF Retired, 56, of Charleston, SC, entered the sunset of life on Thursday, February 12,2009 at his residence. He was born August 2, 1952 in Roy, (Putnam County) FL, to David & Rosebud (Sneed) Wilson. He was a 1970 graduate of Palatka South High School. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and retired after 24 years of service attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. He earned numerous decorations and citations including, AF Commendation Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, AF Longevity Service Award, and scores of others. Following retirement, he was employed with Mission Critical Solutions (MCS) of Tampa at Charleston Air Force Base, SC as a Communications Technician. Silas enjoyed listening to music, reading, collecting coins, entering sweepstakes, spending time with his family and was an avid gardener. Silas was preceded in eternal rest by his: father, David Wilson; stepfather, Elder Robert Merritt; Aunts, Willie Mae Williams, Pauline Sessions; Uncles: John Sneed and James Williams, Sr. To cherish his memories: Devoted mother, Rosebud Sneed Merritt, Palatka; Son, Omari Wilson, Daytona Beach; Daughter, Nakethia Thrower, Atlanta, GA; Sister, Lucille Butler, Seat Pleasant, MD; Granddaughter, Anyzia Bivins, Atlanta, GA; Special nephews, Reginald Johnson, David Butler, both of Seat Pleasant, MD; devoted niece & nephew, Margaret Kiki (J.P) Arango, Downingtown, PA; Stepbrothers, Robert (Mavis) Merritt Jr., Dothan, AL; Nathaniel (Audrey) Merritt, Orlando; Robert L. (Yvonne) Merritt, Aberdeen, MS; Stepsisters, Rose (Bruce) Daniels, Robin Brown, Aundria Drayton, all of Orange Park; numerous other relatives and friends. Visitation of family and friends will today from 9 am 12 noon at the Chapel of Serenity, A Celebration of Life will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 24, at Pentecostal Church of God In Christ, 624 N. 9th St., Palatka, Supt. Johnny Shaw, Pastor, officiating. Interment with full military honors by the Moody AFB Honor Guard at Palatka Memorial Gardens.