Remembering the Man Behind Ritchie County Ponytail Softball League, Lewis Don Wilson
Lewis Don Wilson supported the LA Dodgers and was a WVU Mountaineer fanatic.
September 16, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on September 16, 2026
In the stillness of early September, the death of Lewis Don Wilson wasn’t just a moment in time, but the quiet folding of a flag, fading of a cheer, and the gentle closing of a camp gate.
The passing of Lewis Don Wilson marks the end of a peaceful chapter for a man whose life was stitched with service and unwavering love.
Lewis Don Wilson was born on November 5, 1944, and raised in Harrisville, West Virginia. He was the son of Ernest and Virginia Donnelly Wilson, and he grew up surrounded by the traditions of small-town life.
In his early years, he engaged in hunting, fishing, and berry picking, and spent time at his camp in Berea, WV.
Another critical aspect of Lewis Don Wilson’s life was his education. After graduating from Harrisville High School in 1962, he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Glenville State College.
Shortly after, Lewis Don Wilson was drafted into the U.S. Army, and he served his country in the Vietnam War.
Then, he started a lengthy insurance career, working for Nationwide Insurance for 25 years as an agent. After leaving Nationwide, Lewis Don Wilson worked for Reagle and Padden in Parkersburg until his retirement last year.
Beyond his public service, Lewis Don Wilson was a devoted husband to Margaret A. Nutter Wilson. The couple got married in 1970 and just recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.
Moreover, Lewis Don Wilson was a proud father to three daughters: Rebecca Smith, Jennifer Kisner, and Jessica Wilson.
He was also a remarkable grandfather/great-grandfather, who never missed a chance to cheer his family at every milestone.
Now that Lewis Don Wilson’s death has been formally announced, a void has been created in the hearts of the family.
There Are No Ceremonies, Just The Comfort Of Old Routines, As Lewis Don Wilson’s Death Leaves Behind A Legacy Stitched Into the Community!
Lewis Don Wilson’s style wasn’t about grand gestures or public acclaim; instead, he enjoyed the steadiness and lifelong commitments. His decades of service and constant presence in the community were more powerful than words can describe.
Over the years, Lewis Don Wilson was a member of the VFW, St. Mary’s Elks Lodge, and the Masonic Lodge.
Moreover, he was one of the founding members of the South Fork Hunting Club. Lewis Don Wilson has kept making lifelong memories with friends and family in the club since its establishment 55 years ago.
His passion for softball started as a fatherly love and later developed into something much more. Lewis established the Ritchie County Ponytail Softball League in 1984, giving young girls a place to learn and play.
He worked as an assistant coach for high school softball, accompanying his daughters through their school year.
Lewis Don Wilson was so passionate about the sport that he continued to coach for quite a while. His coaching focused on caring, encouragement, and consistency rather than awards, and his legacy endures in the dugouts of Ritchie County.
Lewis Don Wilson was a true soldier in every sense, as he survived and overcame all the obstacles that life had thrown his way. Honoring his final wishes, the Wilson family has announced that there will be no funeral services or visitation.
He decided on cremation, and his ashes would be spread at the Berea camp along with his rescue dog Roscoe’s ashes at a later celebration.
As a tribute to his legacy, the family has decided to continue playing the exact lottery numbers he played every week. And even though he is no longer with his loved ones, his love, laughter, and devotion remain deeply rooted in the lives he touched.
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Every athlete has a story beyond the game, and as an aspiring blogger, Astha uncovers the moments behind sidelines that turn into headlines. Writing has given her the space to traverse and make connections that feels authentic. Beyond sports, she enjoys poetry, music, and trends that spark conversations and bring people together.
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