John R. Pilson

John Robert Pilson passed away at the age of 91 on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at Blue Ridge Christian Homes Senior Living Facility in Raphine. 

He was born on October 31, 1931, in Staunton to the late John Thompson and Mary Margaret Erwin Pilson.

John worked at Monticello Dairy in Staunton and loved being known as the “Ice Cream Man”.

Outside of work, John was an active member of the community and had several hobbies and interests. He was a lifetime member of Bethel Presbyterian Church in Augusta County. Additionally, he served as a member of both the Middlebrook Fire Department and the Middlebrook Ruritan Club, demonstrating his dedication to serving others. He was a certified genealogist and spent many hours researching and recording his family history and heritage.

In his youth, John was a member of Boy Scouts of America Troop #13 and achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. His outstanding contributions to scouting were recognized with the Silver Beaver Award. He also served as Scout Master for many years at Bethel Church.

He is survived by his sister, Anna Margaret Pilson Pond, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers Wallace Jackson, Robert Thomas, Howard Walter, and Roy Lee Pilson, and his sister, Lavenia Erwin Pilson Campbell.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at Bethel Presbyterian Church. A funeral service will immediately follow the visitation at 2:00 PM at the same location with Reverend Clay Sterrett officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In honor of John's memory, his family suggests donations may be made to the Middlebrook Fire Department (54 Cherry Grove Road, Middlebrook, VA 24459) or Bethel Presbyterian Church (563 Bethel Green Road, Staunton, VA 24401). These contributions will continue his legacy of serving others and supporting causes close to his heart.