Talk to people in the Town of Rhodhiss, and they will tell you of the community involvement by longtime resident Grant Wilson. They'll speak of his willingness to give to those in need, whether it's as Santa Claus or just someone wanting to help make another person's life better.

Now that Wilson is facing a battle of his own, the town has decided to reach out to him and recognize his efforts to better the community he has been part of for so many years.

The town and Rhodhiss Ruritan Club, with assistance from the Rhodhiss Fire Department, will host its inaugural Christmas parade Sunday, and it will be in honor of Wilson, who is battling a Stage 4 terminal colorectal cancer he was diagnosed with in September. The town has designated Sunday as Grant and Christine Wilson Appreciation Day.

"He's been an all-around outstanding citizen who has helped people in need," said Wayne Wilson, president of the Rhodhiss Ruritan Club. "Now it's time to help him."

Grant Wilson has been known through the years for his portrayal of Santa Claus, not only in Rhodhiss but also Granite Falls and Hickory.

"He's brought so much joy to others," Wayne Wilson said.

Rhodhiss Mayor Rick Justice echoed those sentiments.

"He's been such a pillar of this community," Justice said. "Time and time again he's come to people's rescue. When someone needed something he was there for them."

Wayne Wilson pointed out that Christmas has been a special time of year for Grant Wilson. He and his wife Christine transform their home during the holiday season into a Christmas wonderland, even swapping out the doormats in favor of those exemplifying the Christmas time during an open house-type event for the community. The 100-year-old tree in the front yard even serves as the Christmas tree, all 50 feet of it.

"They dress as Mr. and Mrs. Claus," Wayne Wilson explained. "He'll get a big chair, put it on his front porch and let the kids tell Santa what they want for Christmas. Then he'll give them a grab bag of goodies or whatever they may have. He always made sure that those kids had something."

But Grant Wilson did more than that.

He'd host barbecues during the summer to raise money for needy families and go into is garden to pick fresh vegetables with his grandchildren that he would give away so others would have food to eat. He was actively involved with racing at Tri-County Motor Speedway as well, going so far as to provide cars for drivers who may not have their own ride, giving them the opportunity to race at the track.

"He's such a generous person," Justice said. "He's given so much of his time to others. He's the kind of person who makes a difference in a community. We've got the opportunity to do something for him, and that's why we're doing this in his honor."

Sunday's parade lineup will be at noon at the old school property, located at the intersection of Church Street and Park Avenue. The parade will cover three miles and pass right by Grant Wilson's home at 1547 Airport-Rhodhiss Road. There will be a station set up for people to leave notes for Santa Wilson, and the home once again will be open to visitors, though the family asks that those people who may be sick or think they are sick shy away from entering and being around Grant.

It will travel down Caldwell Street across the bridge on to Burke Street, following Airport-Rhodhiss Road before coming to an end at Country Place.

The Christian group 3-in-1 will sing Christmas carols in Grant Wilson's yard.

Because of the length of the parade and the up-and-down terrain, horses and walkers will not be allowed. All entries should be motorized.