Dr. Wilson "WEGO" Gosier

Edwards Small Mortuary announces the final encore for Dr. Wilson "WEGO" Gosier.  Services were entrusted to Glen and Endia Gosier of Hatcher Peoples Funeral Home in Thomasville, GA. Our deepest condolences to the family and friends.  

On November 13, 1941, a personality larger than life arrived in South Ga. Walter and Rosa Gosier delighted in the arrival of their only son and named him Wilson Gosier. A proud native of Quitman, Georgia: Dixie and Dry Lake Road, respectively. Wilson was educated in the public schools of Brooks County. Wilson was identified early as a gifted student and accelerated through advanced classes, graduating at 16. Although undersized at 5’ 7”, he was a two-sport athlete playing basketball and baseball.

His matriculation continued at Fort Valley State College. Wilson obtained the highest score to that date on the entrance math exam and excelled as a Dean's List student. His excellent score and recommendations from his advisors motivated him to change his major from Agriculture to Education with a concentration in Math. During his sophomore year at Fort Valley State College, he and his college sweetheart Doris Marshall began distinguishing themselves from the ordinary. Although he entered Fort Valley at 16, standing 5’ 7”, by his junior year, he was 6’ 3” tall and lettered in basketball, football, and baseball. This was also the beginning of his long-tenured officiating career, starting with intramural basketball, football, and baseball.

Wilson was born with confidence and charisma. He knew he wanted to be a trailblazer. Wilson also knew trailblazers had middle initials and middle names. He chose “Epinol” as his middle name, which proved unique while aligning with the confidence and charisma he exuded. The man, the myth, and the legend, Wilson Epinol Gosier, emerged. As an undergrad, Wilson pledged to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. After a well-coordinated courtship, Wilson and Doris married shortly after receiving their degrees from FVSC in 1963. No one had to impress upon Wilson the light in the Valley. Unknown to many outsiders, Fort Valley is a special place. A magical place. A place where upon leaving, you click your heels three times to herald your return.

For this reason, they made Fort Valley, GA, their home. Wilson and Doris left an indelible mark on the Fort Valley Community. In Divine 9 spirit, they collaborated with likeminded influential black couples. They applied for and were awarded segregation monies from the United States Government. Wilson was appointed administrator of funding. In a bold move, he spearheaded securing land to build a swimming pool and baseball field exclusively for blacks in the Jim Crow era, Fort Valley, GA. Wilson selected Bobby Thompson, an FVSC alumnus, to manage the pool. The pool was built on Historic and segregated H. E. Hunt High grounds, and the aquatic facility was nicknamed “Thomp Pool.” Wilson and Doris took great pride in this accomplishment, along with their friends Pete and Priscilla Mangrum. Years later, they became parents of two wonderful children, Wilson “Woody” Epinol and Marsha Nichole Gosier.

Read the program included to learn of the many accomplishments and awards of Dr. Wilson "WEGO" Gosier.