Conley Chester Wilds, 93, died on Sunday, March 28, 2021. Conley was born in Marshall, NC and had been an area resident since 1944. He served in the Merchant Marines, the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and the U.S. Army Reserves. Following service to his country, Conley was employed by Newport News Shipbuilding, retiring as a welder after 30 years of service.

Survivors include his son, Conley C. Wilds, Jr. and his wife Jill of Gaithersburg, MD; a sister Juanita Brown; three grandchildren, Melissa Renee Wilds, Amy Michelle Parrish and Stephen Michael Parrish; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Ada E. Wilds; eight siblings, Aileen, Ilene, Thomas, Kermit, Quinton, Richard,Robert and Elsie; and one step-son Robert Wilson Parrish.

A graveside service will be held at 1 PM Thursday, April 1, 2021 at Peninsula Memorial Park. Covid-19 restrictions are being followed and masks and social distancing are required.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made the the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201.

Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.