Thomas D. Wilson Jr.

Tom believed in love at first sight and married Charlotte Brazil Wilson 58 years ago. She survives him, along with their three sons and wives: Tommy and Dayna Wilson, Stuart and Theresa Wilson and Rodney and Kimberly Wilson. Tom was a hands-on grandfather who participated in carpools, homework and backyard pool parties with his beloved grandchildren: Brandon, Stuart (Jr.), Alexandria, Hannah, and Faith Wilson; Korey and Kahlise Arista; Brandon and Cameron Hurley. Tom’s brother Mike Wilson and wife, Amelia, also survive him. His parents, Thomas Dewey Wilson, Sr. and Mildred Wilson, preceded Tom in death, as did his brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Elinor Wilson and in-laws, Clarence and Norma Brazil.

After earning a degree from Stephen F. Austin, Tom became an athletic trainer at University of Texas under Frank Medina. In 1953 he was hired as the head athletic trainer at University of Houston where he remained for forty years until his retirement. UH named an athletic facility – the Tom Wilson Sports Medicine Center – in his honor. Tom received many awards for his career dedication including: National Trainer of the Year (1975), appointment to the Texas Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers (1989-1995) and the C.F. McElhinney Distinguished Service Award-University of Houston (1991). He was inducted into the National Athletic Trainers’ Assoc. Hall of Fame in 1978 and the Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Assoc. Hall of Fame in 1985. Tom’s annual football training, “Camp Fun,” was legendary. He valued the close relationships developed with players, students and student trainers over the years.

Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church of Pasadena on Thursday, September 6, 2012 at 10:00am. Visitation prior to services will be at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 5, 2012 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. The family requests donations to First United Methodist Church of Pasadena in lieu of flowers (FUMC, 1062 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX 77504).