Joseph H. Wilder, DVM, died peacefully in his home on November 5, 2007.
Born August 27, 1973, in Cobb County, Georgia, Dr. Wilder grew up in Temple, Georgia.
In 1993, at the age of 19, Dr. Wilder was a physically fit, strapping center for the West Georgia College football team. It was also at this time that he was struck with bacterial meningitis, an illness that almost claimed his life. Instead, it claimed both of his legs below the knee and left him with a single complete finger.
Always a fighter, Dr. Wilder overcame the five percent odds he was given to survive his bout with meningitis thanks to a strong body and spirit and the overwhelming support of doctors, family and friends. After two years of painful and difficult recovery, Dr. Wilder resumed his education. At the same time, he and his wife established Water Dog Kennels, a thriving dog training and boarding facility, in Temple, Georgia. They had married November 7, 1998 at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Dr. Wilder completed his undergraduate studies at the University of West Georgia and later went on to complete his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Ross University. After overcoming so many odds and physically pushing himself to his limits to complete his education this past February, he was sadly only able to enjoy the fruits of his labor for a few short months.
He was extremely passionate about his career at Carrollton Animal Hospital. He had cared deeply for his four-legged clients and their owners, wanting to deliver the best medical care for each of them. Throughout his struggles, Dr. Wilder maintained his sense of humor, positive attitude and faith in God. He touched the lives of more people than he could have ever imagined through his spirit, strength and perseverance.
Dr. Wilder is survived by his wife, Kristie; mother, Joyce Finch; grand mother, Sue "Memaw" Parks; grandfather, Rudolph Parks; sister and brother, Amanda Finch and Samuel Finch; aunts and uncles, Gay & Bobby Ballentine, Mary & Paul Kelly, and Rudy Parks; cousins, Kristen Ballentine, Chip & Jason Callaway, and Jeremy & Rachel Parks; pets, a pack of Black Labradors, one Jack Russell Terrier and three cats. He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Finch and his service dog and companion, HRCH Hunting Doc's Austin.
Funeral services will be conducted Friday, November 9, 2007 at 3 PM from Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel with Rev. Chad Clifton officiating. Following the service, a reception will be held at Midway Macedonia Baptist Church, Sr. Adult Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend. In accordance with the families wishes, the body will be cremated.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you send memorial contributions to the Joseph H. Wilder, DVM Memorial Fund.
Joseph H. Wilder, DVM Memorial Fund, acct# 1010189559186
Wachovia Bank
848 Bankhead Hwy.
Carrollton, Ga., 30117
If you use credit card and paypal, use the following email address JWilderMemorial@aol.com.
Messages of condolences may be sent to the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel of Carrollton has charge of the arrangements.
Joie's voicemail recording -- the voice I fell in love with :)
The Eulogy I wrote for my husband, with contributions from family and friends
