Reverend Kennard Dell Wilder was born in Dallas, Texas. He was the eldest son of Mrs. Artie Estell Wilder and Rev. Cleveland Wilder, born on June 7, 1957. As a young boy, his mother taught Rev. Wilder a song called "I'm a Pilgrim and a Stranger," which he would lead in church and often got "happy" when he sang it. Because of his passion for this song, his mother affectionately dubbed him "Pilgrim." Rev. Wilder inherited the gift of song from both his musically gifted parents. He loved chili dogs, fried chicken, and Hillstone Restaurant – formerly known as Houston's, though both are essentially the same restaurant. As a regular customer at Hillstone, Rev. Wilder was assigned his own personal waiter to serve him when he went to there for meals. He loved this restaurant not only because the food is exceptional, but for the many happy family memories that had been made together there when it had gone by the name of Houston's. Rev. Wilder loved football – particularly the Arizona Cardinals football team. He adored his grandkids and they adored him.

Rev. Wilder attended Dallas Public Schools, and ran track as a sprinter during his high school years at Thomas Jefferson High School. After graduation from high school, he attended and graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. Rev. Wilder was hired by Bank of America straight out of college after graduation, and went on to have a long, productive career as an executive at the bank chain. He kept rising and getting promoted, until Rev. Wilder reached the exalted title of Vice President of Customer Relations. His adorable smile, charm, and personality served him well with his clients during his long, successful tenure at Bank of America. People couldn't help but love him. He worked for Bank of America until 2015, after which he retired and worked as an independent consultant.

After the death of his beloved father in 2001, Rev. Kennard Wilder also became Pastor Wilder. He picked up the mantle of his father and assumed the role of pastor of the West View Baptist Church in Dallas – a church which his father and his mother had organized on April 3, 1977. He remained there in dedicated, faithful service to his church congregation in dynamic ministry until his death on February 26, 2022.

Pastor Kennard Wilder was preceded in death by his mother, father, brother, and son: Rev. Cleveland Wilder, Sis. Artie Wilder, Zachary Wilder; and son, Justin Wilder.

He is survived by his devoted son, Kennard Dell Wilder, Jr. (Melanie); and sister, Bernette L. Webb Austin. Also left to cherish his memories are his grandchildren – Cole and Chase Wilder; nieces and nephew – Tami Harris (Chester), Christina Austin, and Bernard Austin (Nikita); along with great-nephews Chester (III), Brandon, and Jayden Harris; and Bryan Austin. There is a host of others who also love him and will miss him.