Thomson businessman, civic leader killed in accident

THOMSON - Businessman and civic leader James Wilson Jr. died Wednesday evening after he was struck by a car while crossing Georgia Highway 10 in a golf car. He was 79. <br> <br> ``It&#39;s a sad day for all of us that Mr. James is gone,&#39;&#39; Thomson Mayor Robert Knox Jr. said. ``He&#39;s been one of the real leaders of this community, not only with business activities ... but also with religious activities and civic activities.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Wilson, a seventh-generation resident of the McDuffie County, began his career in 1948 with the McDuffie Oil and Fertilizer Co. Later, he and his brothers opened the Wilson Furniture Co., the Cotton Patch Motel, the local Ford dealership and Wilson Homes. <br> <br> In 1981, he and his sons built White Columns Inn and later added the Plantation House Restaurant and Stirrup Cup Lounge. <br> <br> Wilson helped turn Pine Top Farm which his family had owned since 1770 into an equestrian center that sponsors national competitions throughout the year. <br> <br> Graveside services were scheduled for Friday in the Wilson Family Cemetery. <br> <br>