Paducah native, Dow Wilson Jr., 95, departed this Earth on Sunday January 12, 2020 at the
Dallas VA Hospice Unit in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Wilson was a Disabled American Veteran who
served his country in both World War II and the Korean War. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in
1943 and served in combat during World War II in the Pacific theater under the leadership of
General Douglas McArthur. He participated in the liberation of the Philippines among other
campaigns. He re-enlisted in the U.S. Army following the desegregation of troops by President
Harry S. Truman and served his country for three years in combat in the Korean War.
Mr. Wilson accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized at White Oak Missionary Baptist
Church, a church founded by his grandfather, Harrison "Gee" Wilson. Mr. Wilson later united
with the Washington Street Missionary Baptist Church of Paducah, Kentucky where he was a
faithful member for over fifty years. He was very active in the Paducah community as a
volunteer worker for Western Baptist Hospital, a greeter at Wal-Mart on Paducah's southside, a
volunteer for political campaigns and through his service with Meals on Wheels. He never met a
stranger and had an infectious laugh. He had an easygoing way with both young and old as well
as his peers. He was a source of guidance, wisdom and a loyal friend to many.
A graduate of Lincoln High School, Mr. Wilson later received a certificate in Carpentry from the
West Kentucky Vocational Technical College. He was formerly employed by the Metzger
Brother's Packing House and Union Carbide before becoming disabled. He was a 33rd Degree
Mason and a former fifty-year member of Stone Square Lodge #5 and Balkis Temple #157.
Mr. Wilson was the last survivor of four children born in West Paducah, Kentucky to Dow
Wilson and Manie Biffle Wilson. He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Gladys Wilson
Frierson, Georgia Wilson Rudison and brother, Archie B. Wilson as well as his half-brothers,
Jewel F. Wilson and William Wilson.
He is survived by his daughter, Dawnita J. Grimes and beloved son-in-law, Anthony, of Frisco,
Texas; his son, Dow Earnest Wilson, of Fort Worth, Texas; two grandsons, David and Matthew
Grimes of Frisco, Texas; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Yvonne Wilson of Paducah, Kentucky and a
host of nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Mr. Wilson's Homegoing Celebration will be held at 10:30a.m. on Friday January 31, 2020 at
the Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, 6449 University Hills Boulevard, Dallas, Texas
with the Reverend Melvin Manor officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at 1p.m. at
the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery with Father Timothy Gollob officiating. The family
plans to have a memorial service in Paducah, Kentucky at a later date. The family expresses its
sincere appreciation to the caring staff at the Dallas VA Medical Center, Dr. Wald and Bravo
Unit at the North Texas VA Community Living Center, Dr. Stephens, and the tireless medical
team at Charlie Unit, the North Texas VA Hospice Unit. Expressions of sympathy and special
memories may be left for the family on either the Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home website or that of Pettus-Rowland Funeral Home of Paducah, Kentucky.