Tim Wilson, Long Time Regular on the Bob & Tom Show, Dead at 52

Tim Wilson was one of the most naturally funny people I've ever had the chance to meet. A true 'road dog' of the comedy world and a title he wore like a badge of honor. He always took time for pictures, an autograph and to chat when he would come to Sioux Falls as a part of the Bob & Tom Show Comedy Tour and in talking to other comedians, he was a mentor to many of them. Tim Wilson died Wednesday of an apparent heart attack. He was just 52.

Wilson was born in Columbus, Georgia August 5, 1961 and like many comedians I've met, tried for a different career before ending up doing what he was so good at. If you've seen or heard Wilson, you know a part of his act was playing his guitar and singing songs. He wanted to be a country singer early in life, but fell short...thankfully for all of us who loved his comedy so much.

And like many comedians, he was introduced to us thanks to the Bob & Tom Show who have given starts to so many brilliant comedians and given them a broader audience. Wilson never forgot that, and became a regular on the Bob & Tom Show Comedy Tours all over the country, including several stops here in Sioux Falls.

'Little Timmy Wilson' is gone, but he will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace.

Many of Tim's friends and contemporaries have been posting their condolences on Facebook this morning:

Todd Yohn
I am filled with sadness today, after learning that one of my dear friends has passed away from a heart attack..you'll read many posts today about one the funniest and friendliest comedians that I have had the great fortune to call my friend. Tim Wilson was a very wise man and his unique style of comedy will be sorely missed! He was an original and that is hard to say about many of the "new regime" of comedians working today... Rest easy weary traveler. Rest easy. My thoughts and prayers go out his family and all that are hurting from this premature loss of a great man.

Mike Armstrong
I'm very sad about my friend Tim Wilson. Just sad.

Donnie Baker
Tim Wilson was comedy. At least to me. One of my heroes. He treated everyone with the same respect and that's so rare. While most complained or grew tired of the road, Tim wore the title of Road Comedian as a badge of honor. He never wanted to be TMZ famous, yet he could've been. Never wanted to be filthy rich, yet he could've been. He did it his way and there will never be another one like him. He used to sign his photos that hang in comedy clubs, "Thanks for treating me like Elvis." Well, Tim I'd like to thank you for doing the same to me. As the luckiest guy in the world who stumbled upon an act, I'm gonna miss the real McCoy. Tom Mabe said it best…you were the John Wayne of comedy. And I know this…God is getting the best conversation ever. Miss ya Tim!

Roy Wood Jr
Comedian Tim Wilson passed away last night. Those that knew him can vouch that he was the quintessential comic’s comic. He was kind, talkative and always had a great disposition about him.

We comics all look to see who we're working with and I'd get excited if I was working with Tim because it meant the green room would be full of insightful conversation.

Tim wasn’t the type of comic to sit around and mope about ANYTHING. He never had anything negative to say about his career, or anyone else’s for that matter. Considering that all most comics do is sit around and hate on what they don’t have while at the same time hating on what other people have, Tim’s ability to always be positive was amazing.

He never sold his crowd short, always gave them 100%. And always came to town with new material. I had the honor of opening for Tim a few times on various Bob & Tom Comedy Tours, but my deepest memory of Tim Wilson will be the time that Opened for him in Richmond, VA at a now defunct rock club.

It was one of the first nights in my career that a headliner treated me like a fellow professional. Sounds like a minor gesture but it was huge. Some headliners don’t so much as SPEAK to their opening acts let alone grab a beer with them after the show.

Most people in this industry are hell bent on making sure that openers KNOW they’re just an opener, when the truth of the matter is, they’re a fellow comedian. Tim understood that treating fellow comics as such, can TOTALLY change how they approach their show, change their level of confidence and ultimately change how THEY treat THEIR opening acts in subsequent years.

I'm sickened that you've left us.

Pat Godwin
Tim Wilson said he was gonna kick the hair fairy's ass when he got to heaven. Kick him once for me too, won't ya, Tim. R.I.P.

Patti Vasquez
The world is a little less funny tonight...sharing the stage with Tim Wilson is one of the high points of my life.

Thank you Mr. Wilson for the laughs, the conversations and the lessons.

Greg Warren
I just found out Tim Wilson died. He was one of the funniest guys I have have ever seen. He is the only comic I listen to on my iPhone. I got to work with him several times on the road. He was a class act and a gentleman. A lot of people will miss him. "I could be wrong", "Jetpack" and "Brother and Law" are outstanding comedy songs. His bits on Bobby Bowden and The Church's treatment of gay people are just about as funny as you can get. He was an amazing story teller. This is very sad.

Larry the Cable Guy

"Horrible news. Comedian Tim Wilson passed away tonight. I hope you were one of the lucky ones that got to see him preform. One of the best. Tim was a mentor and friend to a lot of us comedians that started in the south, Him, Foxworthy and James Gregory. One of the big 3. Hat off. My heart goes out to his wife and kids. You'll be missed Tim and thank you for all the memories."

Ron White:

"I regret to tell you my friends that we have lost comedian Tim Wilson today he died of a heart attack in Nashville he was with his brother. I cannot tell you how much he will be missed in the comedy community. He died on the 20th anniversary of the death of Bill Hicks. FUCK!"

Tim Cavanagh
The world has lost a great comedian with the passing of Tim Wilson. He was an incredible talent and an amazing man. "The First Baptist Bar and Grill" is absolutely one of the best comedy songs...EVER. And I have a soft spot in my heart for the more obscure, "George Is On My Mind." Tim always surprised me. When I heard that he had written a book, I thought, "Good for him. No doubt funny stories of his rich and interesting life." But no, it was a book about murders in his hometown of Columbus, GA, that linked Ted Bundy to the killings. Not your usual comedy book. I lost a wonderful friend and I will sorely miss him. Green Grass and High Tides Forever, my friend!

Auggie Smith
R.I.P Tim Wilson....I laughed hard every time I watched him on stage and even harder when I was lucky enough to share a car ride or green room with him.
If you don't know his comedy, do yourself a favor and seek some out.
Comedy has lost a great performer and true gentleman.

The hardest postings to read came from his daughters Sophia and Ari:

Sophia
Dad….you can't read this cause you're back with God, but I wish you didn't have to go. I was supposed to see you. We were supposed to do the radio thing, we were going record more music. How could this have happened. I wasn't there. I wasn't there. I regret leaving you, why now. The pain in my heart is so fierce I can't even breathe. to everyone who ever knew or listened to my father, thank you for supporting him and for loving him. He was a warrior, a true fighter. He loved with his whole heart, he was a rock solid human being and I can't believe he's gone. Dear god, get ready to laugh.

Ari
Dad, i love you with all my heart, i cant believe your really gone, im crying so badly right now that i can barley even breath, i remember all the times we had together, the long trips talking about music and life itself. You've taught me so much over my childhood and i wish i was able to learn more from my best teacher, you were more than a father to me, you were like my big brother who always had my back, and i know you still do no matter what. Me, and Sophia love you so much. RIP Timothy C. Wilson