Laury “Van” Buren Wilson, III, of Enfield, NC passed away on December 21, 2023. 

After several years of battling a severe lung condition caused by exposure to mold, Van Wilson passed away at ECU Health North Hospital in Roanoke Rapids with his mother and sisters at his side late Thursday night.

Van was the son of Laury “Van”Buren Wilson, II and Glenn Norman Wilson Dickens of Halifax. Known as “Little Van” in Halifax, he was 65 when he passed. He was born on July 24, 1958 at Roanoke Rapids Hospital, grew up in Halifax and lived his entire life in Halifax County.

Van’s true gift to the world was his ability and desire to make people laugh, even those people who didn’t want to laugh. He was an incredible comedian and mimic. Like his father, Van was one of the funniest people you would ever know. He found humor in everything and loved to share it. This included even his most difficult times when he was nearing the end of his life. Van brought laughter to that situation too. Everyone smiles when they think of Van.

Van was also a devoted outdoorsman, nature lover, firearms enthusiast, photographer, and he especially loved his dogs. While he was an Information Technology Tech at Nash Community College for most of his career, his favorite job was working with police and military dogs at Ventosa in Scotland Neck. It was from there that he got his Belgian Malinois, Zorro and German Shepherd, June Bug.

Van is survived by his mother, Glenn Norman Wilson Dickens of Halifax; sister, Glenn Patterson Wilson of Halifax; sister, Martha Jane Wilson of Halifax and his beloved dogs, Zorro and June Bug.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the chapel of Askew Funeral and Cremation Services, Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Avery Lial officiating.

The family will receive friends following the service.  There will be a private family committal service for Van later in the day.