Rev. Willie R. Wilson, affectionately known as (Bill), was the fifth child born to Martha and Barney Wilson on November 27, 1937 in Axtell, Texas where he attended the public school system. Bill always had an adventurous spirit and joined the U. S. Navy at seventeen years of age. His service took him to many parts of the world including China, Japan, Vietnam, Hawaii and Washington State, where he embraced the local cultures. He faithfully served our country for twenty-one years, retiring as a Petty Officer - E6. His career in the Navy provided a backdrop for many stories of adventure for his grandchildren and friends alike over the years.

Bill learned about the love of God through his father's teaching at an early age and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior as a young adult. As he grew in knowledge, wisdom and obedience, God called him into His service and used him in many ways throughout his lifetime. In 1975 Bill was instrumental in organizing the Good News Baptist Church in San Diego, Calif. and served as Chairman of Deacons. He became a licensed minister in 1980 and was ordained in 1981 at Mount Olive Baptist Church. While there, he impacted all areas of the church's operation. In 1980, he received an Associate's Degree in Sociology from San Diego Evening College. In 1982, he also received formal training at Southern Bible Training School Inc., and a certificate of Training in Spiritual Intellectual Attainments. Bill was blessed to lead and work with numerous church organizations throughout his life in San Diego, California until God moved him to another function in the body of Christ.

After relocating to Texas in the 80s, Bill accepted the pastoral responsibilities for Capota Baptist Church in Seguin, Texas. God later cleared the way for him to shepherd Bethlehem Baptist Church in Beeville, TX, where he served for almost two decades. While in service there, he worked to establish the Vineyard for the Needy, establish the Home Mission Board of the General Missionary Baptist Convention, organize a Youth Ministry, a Children's Church, a Single's Ministry, and a Youth Fellowship Hall.

He was an active member of the Board of Special Education (BISD), Board member of the Bee County Agency, Active member of the Ministerial Alliance, Mount Zion District Association - Cuero, Texas.

At the time of his home-going, he was serving as Associate Minister at The Greater Mount Hebron Bible Church here in Dallas, under the leadership of Reverend Fred Conwright Sr. Bill was a man of honor and excellence and received a wide range of accolades throughout his lifetime and during his military career. In the 60s, he received the Petty Officer Leadership Award, The Good Conduct Medal, The Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, The Vietnam Campaign Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and The Vietnam Service Medal. In the 70s, Bill received a Certificate for Upward Race Relations, The National Defense Service Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal, A Combat Action Ribbon and The Good Conduct Bronze Star Medal. In January of this year, Bill received a Certificate of Nomination from the American Legion.

Bill was preceded in death by parents, Barney and Martha, his late wife, Joyce, son, Michael, brothers, Elmo, Barney Jr., sister, Mary, and brothers, Jim and Albert in order of their demise.

Bill will be united one day in heaven with: his wife of 14 years, Cordie Wilson; son, Willie Wilson Jr. (Jolene); daughters, Sherry Reed and Latasha Wilson; grandchildren, Ashley Wallace, Monicia Reed, Andre Reed, Anthony Reed, Mia Wilson, Willie Wilson III, and Alexis Bryant; stepson, Michael Willis (Belinda); stepdaughters, Beverly Lucky (David), Karla Bessard (Marion); God daughter, Teretha Ellis (Leroy); great grandchildren, Chole Wallace, Wiley Barber; sister, Helen Square and a host of other great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Bill leaves a legacy that goes beyond family and friends. He was a soul winner for Christ and had a life goal of advancing the Kingdom of God to the glory of Jesus Christ. Though absent from the body, he is present with the Lord and lives in eternity. He also lives on in our hearts through the memories until we join him in eternity where we all will live as the Bride of Christ, forever.