Edwin “Ned” McConihay Wilson

MARTINSBURG, WV - Edwin McConihay Wilson, known to all as Ned, 76, died on May 26 with his wife by his side, following complications from an autoimmune disease. Born in Charleston on June 29, 1949, to John Mac and Isabelle Hart Wilson, Ned grew up with a deep appreciation for music, community, and spirited conversation, qualities that would define his life.

Ned was educated at the Kentucky Military Institute, earned his BA from Brown University, and later received his MBA from the Wharton Graduate School of the University of Pennsylvania. His early professional years were spent in New York City. Starting in 1973 as a financial analyst for CBS, Inc., he rose to the rank of controller of the CBS Television Network before leaving in 1986. Following his time at CBS, he held other financial positions in New York City.

After years in corporate finance, Ned and his wife, Royal, embraced a new adventure as owners and operators of the Mountaineer Inn in West Dover, VT. They poured their energy into the inn and the surrounding community until their retirement in 2022, when they relocated to Charles Town. Ned was thrilled to return to West “by God, smile when you say it” Virginia.

A lifelong lover of the performing arts, Ned devoted decades to the Village Light Opera Group (VLOG) in New York City. Besides being a frequent performer, he served on the VLOG board, became president, and served on their investment committee. His passion for theater began in childhood with the Kanawha Players and the Charleston Light Opera Guild. He was a founding member and co-chair of the Memorial Hall Center for the Arts in Wilmington, VT, bringing acclaimed musicians to the region for sold-out concerts.

A gifted pianist, Ned played for guests of the Inn and taught seminars on Broadway musicals, sharing his encyclopedic knowledge and enthusiasm with eager audiences.

Ned’s commitment to service extended to his spiritual life. In both New York City and Charles Town, he was an active member of Episcopal congregations. He was on the vestry, served as treasurer and was on the investment committee at the Church of the Incarnation in Manhattan, and later served as treasurer, interim pianist, and choir member at Zion Episcopal Church in Charles Town.

He found joy in many passions: cheering on the New York Yankees, Rangers, and Giants; attending New York City Opera, and following the Triple Crown horse races each year. Ned held season tickets to the Philadelphia Orchestra concerts at Carnegie Hall from 1973 until present. He was also a proud member of Holland Lodge #8 in New York City. Ned loved his years at Brown. He was treasurer of the Class of ’71, a fervent member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, treasurer of the Brown University Club in New York City and helped plan every reunion including his most recent 55th.

Ned is survived by his devoted wife, Royal L. Woodfield Wilson, of Charles Town; his brother, J.H. Wilson, of Middletown, NJ; and his sister, Catharine W. Burt, of Bedford, NH. He was predeceased by his sister, Liza Stuart Baker, and his brother, W.E. Ferguson.

Memorial services will be held in both New York City and Charles Town; at Zion Episcopal Church in Charles Town on Saturday, June 20, at 11 am and in New York City at Church of the Incarnation on Saturday, June 27, at 11 am.

Ned will be remembered for his humor, his vibrant storytelling, his generosity, his love of music, and the joy he brought to every community he touched.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VEXAS Foundation at vexas.org, the Church of the Incarnation, New York, NY or Zion Episcopal Church, Charles Town, WV. Please sign Ned’s online guestbook at: www.mtstrider.com