Rev. Wilton

Rev. Dr. John Dennis Wilton, beloved husband of Rhodabelle MacDonald Wilton, was carried by God's Angels into the presence of His Savior and Lord on February 21st at 3:25 PM. John is not only survived by his wife of 65 years, but also his three sons, Dr. Rod Wilton, Dr. Don Wilton, and Dr. Murray Wilton, his three daughters' in law, Irene, Karyn, and Rachel, his nine grandchildren and his 18 great-grandchildren. Born in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa, John spent his early years as an avid and accomplished sportsman playing cricket, tennis, fishing in the Indian Ocean, and racing motor cycles. His 65-year marriage to his beloved "Nunu" can only be described as a perpetual love-affair. At age 32, John came to accept Christ as Savior and Lord and from that moment he lived out "I am crucified with Christ - nevertheless I live - yet not I, but Christ lives in me!" He and his beloved wife responded in full obedience to God's Word across the world. God's call led them to five wonderful Baptist churches in South Africa, followed by 32 years of powerful preaching and teaching across the United States. The last 15 years have seen his giftedness powerfully expressed through "Pastor John's" Sunday School class at First Baptist Spartanburg. His spiritual leadership has been openly sought out and has been seen in his election to serve as the President of South African Baptist Convention and in other capacities over the years. John Wilton's spiritual legacy bears "fruit that remains." All three of his sons serve the Lord Jesus Christ with their wives in open obedience to God's commands. His grandchildren serve the Lord across the world and his great grands stand ready to receive the same legacy of faithfulness. To quote John Wilton: "The greatest tragedy in the world is for any person to die without Christ." We thank the Lord Jesus for you Dad! Your boys will take care of Mama! A Celebration of Life will be held in the Sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, 250 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306 on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 12 noon. This will be led by the Rev. Sal Barone and the Rev. Steve Skinner and co-directed by John Wilton's three sons. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials may be made to The Encouraging Word, whose purpose is "To Share God's Truth in our Searching World," c/o First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, 250 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Rev. Dr. John D. Wilton please visit our Sympathy Store.