Joseph Wilson Jr.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his aunt, Rita Fillingim who raised Joe and his siblings when his mother passed away shortly after his birth, brother, Rea Wilson, and sisters, Ida Belle Richardson and Merle Wilson.

Joe is survived by his wife of 58 years, Beverly; daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Stephen Allen of Houston; son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Diana Wilson of Baytown; grandchildren, Emily Allen of College Station, Andrew Allen of Houston, Brad Wilson and wife Kenda of Baytown, and Jared Wilson of College Station; and great-grandson, Drake Hunter Wilson of Baytown; sister, Irma Lee Fredrick of Houston; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joe was born and raised in Gulfport, MS and joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the 5th Marine Division in Japan during WWII. He moved to Highlands in 1946 to live with his sister and brother-in-law, Ida Belle and Hammond Richardson when he met the love of his life, Beverly Jean Cole. Joe and Beverly married on May 22, 1948 and settled in Highlands, TX where they started their family. Joe went to work for Humble Oil Company where he spent the next 34 years until retirement in 1986.

Joe was a charter member of the Sterling Ranger Booster Club where he served as the Treasurer for over 30 years. He was an avid Ranger fan and loved the “Big Blue”. He also enjoyed coaching Little League baseball and continued for several years after his son finished playing. Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time at his lake house on Sam Rayburn. Most of all, Joe loved spending time with his family. He will be deeply missed.

Serving as pallbearers will be his son, Scott Wilson, grandsons, Brad & Jared Wilson and Andrew Allen, and nephews, Dick Leflar and Bobby Leflar.

His family will receive friends at Navarre Funeral Home Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Wednesday, February 21, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Navarre Funeral Home with Rev. Tom Cole officiating. Private graveside services for his family will follow.

In lieu of usual remembrances, contributions may be made to the Arabia Shrine Hospital Benefit, c/o Arabia Shrine Center, P. O. Box 20625, Houston, TX 77225-0625.

Arrangements are under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521, (281) 422-8111.