GALAX, Va. (WDBJ) - John Wilson never wore a red suit or flew high in the sky with a sleigh, but made sure children in Galax always had presents under the tree during Christmas.

In his passing, his son is taking the reins to carry on that tradition.

Remembered for his heart of giving and an incredible gift of spreading cheer, Christmas was something David Wilson said his father, John, always made merry.

“He worked long hours just to provide for me and my brother on Christmas Day so we’d have something to open,” remembered Wilson.

When his boys grew up, John made it his mission to make sure every child in Galax would have presents under the tree, and donated toys to families in need.

“They’d go on Black Friday and just buy as many toys he can find, he was like a kid running around shop

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