Vernie "Cliff" Wilson

Vernie “Cliff” Wilson, a lover of God, family and country, shook hands with God and entered heaven on Sunday, July 8, 2012. He was born April 27, 1925 in Kleberg County to William Ross Wilson and Ethel Earlene Burt Wilson. He graduated from Bishop High School in 1943 and served in the U.S. Army in the Philippines during World War II. Mr. Wilson was employed from 1947-1983 for Celanese Corporation.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Wanda Wilson of Bishop; three daughters, Kay Hicks (Dale) of Port Mansfield, Texas, Sharon Stridde (Michael) of Robstown, Texas and Joy Ryan of Huntsville, Texas; one brother, Gene Wilson of Burnet, Texas; six grandchildren, Hunter Hicks, Neal Hicks (Tanisha), Kristy DuPree (Chris), Kimberly Sinquefield (Jarrod), Corey Ryan and Breanne Garner (Grant); and eight great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 10, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Turcotte-Piper Mortuary with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at the First Baptist Church, Bishop, with Rev. Clif Abshier officiating. Burial will follow in Bishop at Restland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund, 311 East Fifth Street, Bishop, Texas 78343.

Services are entrusted to Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, 205 General Cavazos Blvd., Kingsville, Texas.