On January 22, 1974, the world was blessed with the birth of Dwayne Lamont Wilson, Sr., son of Shirley Thompson (David, deceased) and Mark A. Wilson, Sr. (Betty).

On July 30, 2026, in Galveston, Texas, and surrounded by his devoted wife and loved ones, Dwayne peacefully transitioned at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Jennie Sealy Hospital.

Dwayne was raised in Wilmington, Delaware, where he attended schools within the Red Clay Consolidated School District. After leaving Wilmington High School, he continued his education at Keystone Job Corps, excelling academically and emerging as a respected campus leader. His dedication earned him numerous academic and leadership honors—reflecting the drive, discipline, and determination that would follow him throughout his life.

During his years at Wilmington High, Dwayne met April Holland, and together they raised four children: Dwayne “DJ” Jr. (34), DeAndre "Dre"(26), and Dominik "Dom" (21) Wilson, and their daughter Diamond, who passed away shortly after birth.

In 2007, life brought Dwayne back to his first love, Elizabeth Cole, and on December 15, 2010, they were united in marriage—a bond marked by deep love, partnership, and unwavering devotion.

Dwayne was passionate about sports. He excelled in football and basketball during his school years and carried that love into adulthood. He became a coach and mentor, guiding youth through the Claymont Falcons and Wilmington Titans football programs, and volunteered as a parent/coach for several other organizations. His impact on young athletes was profound—he taught discipline, teamwork, and heart.

A true jack-of-all-trades, Dwayne could fix anything placed in front of him. He loved working with his hands and took pride in household and automotive repairs and renovations. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to operate DLW Landscaping and Before and After Contracting, and he later served as a Project Manager for MDS. There was truly nothing he couldn’t do.

Beyond construction, Dwayne was also trained and educated in the medical field as a Certified Nursing Assistant, working in private duty home health care. His compassion and willingness to serve others were evident in every role he took on.

At the time of his passing, Dwayne was employed as a Field Technician with Osmose Utilities, continuing to demonstrate his strong work ethic and versatility.

Dwayne leaves to cherish his memory his parents, Mark Sr. (Betty) and Shirley Thompson (David, deceased); his loving wife, Elizabeth M. Cole; his children and their mother, Dwayne “DJ” Jr., DeAndre, and Dominik Wilson; and April Holland. He also leaves bonus children Keyairrah and Kerrieum Price II, as well as Mansa Musa Hinson. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Nakai, Aniyah, and Chosenn Wilson.

He is also survived by his mother(s)-in-law, Marcia Cole & JoAnn Holland, siblings Mark Wilson, Jr., Ginger (Daniel) Wharton, and Natasha (Rashad) Brown; brothers‑in‑law Daniel Wharton, Rashad Brown, Donald Jr., Kalief (Danny) Cole, and Kenyatta Taylor; sisters‑in‑law Donzell (David Sr.) Harmon, Nakisha Cole, and Tracy Maldonaldo (Raymond), his best friend/brother, Harlan “June” Hawkins, and lifelong friend LeVon Ward, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him deeply.

Dwayne was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Elijah and Marie Collins; paternal grandparents Carrie and Arthur “Skinny” Wilson; his sister, Tanya Wilson; his daughter, Diamond; and granddaughter, Wynter Wilson.

Dwayne lived a life defined by love, loyalty, service, and strength. He was a protector, a provider, a mentor, and a man who could make anything work—whether it was a broken engine, a struggling team, or a hurting heart. His legacy is carried forward in the lives he touched, the family he loved, and the countless people who will forever remember his kindness, humor, and unwavering spirit.