Fred B. Wilson was born July 7, 1890, in Huntington, West Virginia. It is there where he received his formal education. Because of Mr. Wilson’s flair for fine suits, he made his first foray into the business world as a salesman for a men’s clothing company. He and his wife then moved to Atlanta, Georgia where he became the owner of his own men’s clothing store. After his move to Atlanta, he grew interested in real estate investing.

In 1932, Mr. Wilson sold his business venture and joined Georgia Power Company as the assistant to then President Preston Arkwright. While working with Georgia Power Company, Mr. Wilson was instrumental in implementing the idea of selling electrical appliances in local offices which allowed the cost of the appliances to be bundled with monthly electric bills.

Feeling the desire to focus more on his business interests, Mr. Wilson decided to resign from his position at Georgia Power Company. He owned and developed shopping centers, apartment complexes, and hotels. He also owned a 1,900-acre Angus farm in Fulton County, Georgia, which was considered one of the most outstanding farms in the southeast.  

Named after his wife, Mr. Wilson established the Frances Wood Wilson Foundation in 1954. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson had a marriage full of love and admiration. There were no children born of their union. They were both devout members of the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Atlanta, Georgia.

Upon his death on October 10, 1960, a portion of Mr. Wilson’s assets were generously transferred to the Foundation. The remainder of his assets were transferred upon the death of Mrs. Wilson in 1967.