Joe (Bill) William Wilson

Joe passed away on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family. Joe was born in Sivells Bend on Frog Bottom on May 16, 1932 to V. Elmo and Lilly Wilson. He graduated from Gainesville’s Newsome-Daughtry Memorial High School in 1950. He was drafted into the army after working as a ranch hand with his father. Joe married the love of his life, Bobbye Jean (Reeves), on November 2, 1953. They were married on a Monday night because he had a three-day leave from the army before being deployed to Germany during the Korean War. They spent fifty-three years together before her death in 2007.

After he returned to Texas, Joe and Bobbye made their home in Gainesville where he graduated from Cooke County College, transferring to North Texas State. He spent his career with National Supply, retiring in 1987. While working for National Supply, he--along with three others--chartered, Nascoga Federal Credit Union in 1956 by putting up five dollars each. Today, Nascoga is a $94 million credit union. As great as he was as a business man, he was an even greater and beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather. In retirement he enjoyed spending time with his friends and family at the deer lease, the VFW and at Lake Texoma. Joe was actively involved with VFW Post 1922, serving as the commander for several years. Joe was also a member of the Masonic Lodge #210, receiving the Golden Trowel Award in 2007. He had a sharp wit, a great sense of humor and loved a good story.

Joe is survived by son and daughter-in-law Kevin and Melissa Wilson of Gainesville; daughter and son-in-law Marla and Jerry Woods of Gainesville; grandchildren Jill Linnell and husband Mark and Cassie Woods; great-grandchildren Ethan, William, Ella and Eli; sister Patsy Wilson; and brother Jerry Wilson.

Joe was proceeded in death by his sister, Louise Wilson; parents; and his wife.

The funeral service to celebrate Joe’s life is scheduled for 2:00 pm on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Kremling officiating.  Interment, with military and Masonic honors, will follow at Fairview Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Monday, April 9 at the funeral home.

Serving as pallbearers are: Jeremiah Gaither, Billy White, Ricky Greene, Les Porter, David Porter, and Brian “Oscar” Winters.  Serving as honorary pallbearers are: Jim West, Bill Riley, Hugh Porter, Johnny Barnes, Jack Greene, Tim Gaither, George Grounds, and Dugan “Bob” Davis.

Memorial contributions may be made to VFW Auxiliary 1922, PO Box 2026, Gainesville, TX 76241-2026.