Published: October 06, 2008 04:21 pm         

Danville man competes in BET contest

DANVILLE — Some call him a gentle giant. Others refer to him as a teddy bear of a man. His own sister compared him to Ruben Studdard of “American Idol” fame.

But the description that brought Danville’s Tim Wilson close to tears came from a 7-year-old girl. Aniah Luster said he’s “a friendly man who likes kids.”

Aniah added a few other comments a few minutes later. She’s seen Wilson with her parents involved in two other activities that he cherishes as much as he does children.

“He sang with my daddy,” she said, “and he read the Bible with my mom.”

Wilson has combined his passion for singing and his love of the Lord in gospel music. He submitted an audition video in September to this season’s “Sunday Best” on the BET network. Now he’s hoping for a good showing in this American Idol-like contest. The online portion of the contest runs until Oct. 31.

“Music has a way of easing the pain,” Wilson said. “My main purpose is to win souls by ministering through songs.”

Wilson has devoted much of his life to others. Marge Finch, his sister, described him as “a very humble person who’s in touch with his feelings.”

Finch, a therapist with Lutheran Social Services, offered a professional assessment of her brother.

“It’s a pattern with him that when he runs into a tough situation, he wants to help,” she said.

Wilson was living in Texas just prior to his return to Danville. He came back when his sister was diagnosed with brain cancer.

“I came home in July of 2005 to help my mom,” the 1987 Danville High School graduate said. “My sister lived until December 2006.”

But Wilson stayed. “I wanted to help my mom and help the community,” he said. He’s found a place to do both: the Boys & Girls Club of Danville.

“I grew up in Fair Oaks,” Wilson said. “I understand where some of these kids are coming from.

“I spent almost nine years in the military,” the 38-year-old Army veteran said. “I’ve lived all around the world, including Germany. But it was time to come home.”

“Our mother, Pearlie Nolan, has taken care of children all her life,” Finch said. “She raised six children. She’s done foster care for years. Right now, she has four foster children. “

It was two of those children, members of the Boys & Girl Club, who initially inspired Wilson to help out at the organization. Now he goes there two or three times a week to spend time with the kids.

Whether it’s playing basketball with the children during their free time or helping in the computer lab or with homework, Wilson is welcomed by staff and members wherever he goes.

“I love these kids and I love to help,” Wilson said. “I give all the credit to God.”

TO VOTE ONLINE

To vote online for Tim Wilson in BET’s Sunday Best gospel singer contest, log onto http://sundaybestcasting.com/people/GRACEEBYGIFTS. This portion of the contest runs through Oct. 31.