Julian Greaves “Skill” Wilson was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, on June 8, 1962. As a boy, he moved with his family to Memphis, Tennessee, where he grew up and found a love for the city. Following in his father’s footsteps, Skill went into the military service and trained as part of the 82nd Airborne. He always joked, what better way to conquer his fear of heights than by jumping out of planes? He returned home early to care for his parents and began his career as a paramedic, working at Adventure River, as the county EMS service medic, and as an emergency room tech at the trauma center. In 1989, he found his true calling and joined the Memphis Fire Department. He was passionate about his career and quickly achieved rank as a P2, which later became the rank of EMS lieutenant.

Skill was a dedicated part of the Memphis Fire Department for just over 31 years, before retiring in 2020. Nearing the end of his career with Memphis, he found a renewed passion for EMS and the fire service after moving with his wife to his home in Somerville, Tennessee. He joined the Fayette County Fire Department as a volunteer, quickly earning the rank of captain with the District 15 Fire Department, becoming their medical training officer. He was awarded Officer of the Year in 2021. Skill’s true passion was EMS, which led him to also work for the Fayette County Ambulance Service until his passing. Skill loved helping others and touched so many lives throughout his career, both coworkers and patients.

Skill was a wonderful family man with an infectious laugh who loved to joke around. Everyone who had ever met him would say he was unforgettable. He loved to cook and always had a house full of family and friends, making sure they had a wonderful meal to enjoy. After moving to Somerville, he found a new hobby of living on a small farm, raising chickens and selling the eggs to a local restaurant. Skill took great pride in his family, making sure they were always taken care of, supported in everything they did, showing how much they were loved, and playing the occasional prank. He became a trap team coach in 2021 and jumped headfirst into his new trap family.

Skill passed away January 23, 2022, after complications from COVID, and is survived by his wife, Hollie; his children, Kelsi (Corey), Keegan, Greaves, and Hunter; and his new granddaughter, HattieLou.