Ulysses Samuel Wilson,  aka “Tit” but aka “Ted”, was born on January 28, 1928 to Earley and Celia (nee Harris) Wilson. He was raised in Kinloch, which in the 19th and 20th century was a flourishing Black community. Ulysses had 2 brothers and 3 sisters, all whom have gone on to glory except one surviving and thriving sister, Gladys (Wilson) Jackson, who just celebrated 101 years in August.

Ulysses joined the Army on July 17, 1946 where his military occupation was a truck driver. He was honorably discharged on July 15, 1948 and received the WWII Victory Medal. After his discharge, he furthered his education for 2 years at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI.

Ulysses started employment at the VA Hospital in January of 1952 as a messenger and was later promoted to File Clerk in the regional office Dept of Medicine and Surgery. He met then married Nellie Ruth Haynes on July 12, 1959. He became dad to his first daughter Jerry. Soon to follow were Ginger, then Angela.

Road trips to visit family in St Louis, Indianapolis, Detroit, and Tennessee became  annual summer treks. Other summer activities included early morning fishing trips to Sandusky where bacon and eggs were cooked over an open fire. Some Saturdays were spent in the Metro Park playing softball, hiking the trail to Henry Church Rock (formerly Squaw Rock), or picking blackberries in August.

Ulysses resigned from the VA Hospital in May of 1965 and shortly thereafter gained employment at the Chrysler Corporation factory as a press operator, from which, decades later, he retired.

Ulysses was an “avid” fisherman. He and his brother Al, fondly called “Brother”, would occasionally embark on what they deemed fishing trips. However, these trips never produced any fish! These were probably times for the brothers to catch up on life instead of catch fish.

Ulysses also enjoyed walking with those who became his walking buddies at Garfield Park. At one point he was walking 5 to 6 miles, 5 days a week. He was also proactive with his health in other ways, taking daily vitamins and supplements. This significantly contributed to his longevity.

Ulysses was affectionately known as “Daddy Ted” or just “Baba” in the Atlanta, Georgia Drum and Dance Community. He was so fond of this community and highly appreciative of the love and respect that he received. He was always so excited to attend the drum, dance classes, and rehearsals. Every day, with a gleam in his eyes and a smile on his face, he would ask Ginger, “Whatcha’ got today?”. He will be sorely missed by them.

With great affection, one of Ulysses’ grandsons, Rashaun, shared this tribute: “To the funniest old man I’ve ever known… You should have done stand up comedy lol. You were there for me like a father and always gave me stories and good advice on life. I appreciate all the knowledge and wisdom you shared. You left here pain free and peacefully at 96 so salute to that! R.I.H Granddad.”

Ulysses made the decision last year to surrender his life to Christ and was baptized on Palm Sunday, 2023. Oh, what a glorious day! He also made history at Christ Culture Church as the oldest person to be baptized!

He leaves to cherish his memory his sister, Gladys; his daughters: Jerry Sims, Ginger Jackson, and Angela Wilson; 6 grandchildren: Thomas “Lenny” Hughes, Earnest Brandon (Alicia) Sims, Rashaun (Istiyr) Jackson, Ciera Jackson, Jordon Sims, and Kendall Roderick; 17 great-grandchildren; “honorary” son Lewis Jefferson a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.