Crawfordsville - The family of Joe Brent 'J.B' Wilson is saddened by his passing on Friday, February 28, 2020. He was born in Ingle, Kentucky on December 10, 1940 to the late Elbert and Elsie Tarter Wilson. Joegraduated from Darlington High School in 1959.  He was previously married to Phyllis Fulford for 20 years.

Joe's boyhood dream was to have a family, own his own farm, live near a railroad track and drive the shiny Big Rigs.

Following graduation he worked for Steel Industries and McDaniel Trucking both in Crawfordsville.  Joe's strong work ethic drove him to turn his dreams into reality.  Within a few years, he owned his own farm near a railroad and drove 18 Wheelers for Roadway Express.  Joe was a good professional driver working his way to the top of the board and accumulating mile after mile of safe driving with no accidents.  Other drivers & CB handlers from Indianapolis to Kansas City knew him as "Jack Rabbit".  Before retiring he was presented the Roadway Express 'Three Million Mile Safe Driving Award' for zero accidents in his 33 year career of driving. After retirement Joe was seasonally employed by Calder Farms as CDL truck driver. Joe loved the land, loved spring planting and fall harvest.  He was fascinated with the daily train travel along his farm.  But above all this, his proudest achievement was his family. He retired early to enjoy his grandchildren and their activities including sports. Grandpa Joe was the biggest and most loyal fan in the stands.

He is survived by his loving three daughters: Mindy (David) Byrd, Heather (Luke) Gayler and Tiffany (Bill) Searle all of Crawfordsville. His grandchildren:  DJ (Ashley) Byrd of Macon, Ga; Sami Jo (Johnny) Nuppnau of Valparaiso, IN, Kelsi Byrd of Crawfordsville, Grant (Kennedy) Gayler, Fishers, Hallie Gayler and Zak Searle both of Crawfordsville, and his first great-grandson Julian Nuppnau.  He is also survived by one brother Winston (Gini) Wilson of Crawfordsville and five sisters: Elizabeth (Dick) Crosby of Roachdale, Gloria (Dick) German of Crawfordsville, Beverly (Larry) Hartle of Valdosta,Ga, Deborah (Tom) DeFreitas of Rainsville, Al and Phyllis Wilson Neff of Festus, Mo.  Joe was preceded in death by his brother-in-law John Neff, his parents Elbert and Elsie Wilson and his grandparents Brent and Ada Tarter of Nancy, Ky and Joe and Elizabeth Wilson of Ingle, Ky.

His family will greet guests 4:00 – 7:00 PM Friday, March 13, 2020 at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate, (9700 N St Rd 55, Wingate) with memorial services immediately following at 7:00 PM with Pastor Mike Parks officiating.  There will be a private family graveside service.  Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of one's choice.  Visit us online at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to sign the guest book or share a memory.