Tim Wilson, a renowned stand-up comedian and country singer, passed away in Columbus, Ga., on Wednesday night due to a heart attacked, his Chris Dipetta said in a statement earlier today.
Wilson, who was known for inculcating original songs into his comedy, died just shortly after driving to Columbus to visit his brother en route to a weekend show in Birmingham, Ala. During the trip, he began feeling ill, shared Dipetta, who worked with the singer for 30 years.
"I talked to him yesterday afternoon and said he felt bad, was short of breath, and I said, 'get to the hospital now," Dipetta explained. "His brother took him to the hospital and he had a massive heart attack and passed away at 9:15 p.m."
Although Wilson may not be as famous as other country singers, he had a loyal band of followers that loved his humorous country songs, which include "First Baptist Bar & Grill" and "Garth Brooks Ruined My Life."
Wilson also collaborated with Jeff Foxworthy to produce the massive hit "The Redneck 12 Days of Christmas."
"Tim was probably one of the greatest characters I’ve ever been around," shared Dipetta, who also has managed Foxworthy and Steve Harvey. "He was the greatest storyteller. I used to call him comedy’s Tennessee Williams because he had more stories than anybody. It’s tough to put into words what kind of a character he was. But everybody loved him. He spoke his mind, and he’d get into a conversation with you for hours, debate just about anything."
Wilson also teamed up with his close friend Billy Gardell on Showtime's "Billy Gardell Presents the Road Dogs."
Dipetta, who also manages Gardell, also shared that Gardell often opened for Wilson while on tour and "they've been friends forever."
"Lost a great comic and a great friend and mentor last night. RIP Tim Wilson. My heart and prayers go out to his family," Gardell wrote on Twitter.
Watch Tim Wilson performing one of his original songs below:
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