Thomas Ray Wilson died peacefully in his sleep August 1, 2012, in Sulphur Springs,Texas. He was 72. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that Tommy touched throughout his memorable life.
Tommy was born November 21, 1939, in Cooper, Texas, to Ray and Hazel (Baker) Wilson. He became a Christian at age 6 and his service to Jesus never stopped. He served as a Deacon and Interim Minister of Music at First Baptist Church in Cooper, Texas; spearheaded the "I Found It" salvation campaign at Affiliated Food Conventions; organized and led numerous Bible studies; and always had a well worn New Testament in his hip pocket. His dedication to Christ was apparent in the way he loved his famioly, friends and countless people he helped along the way.
Tommy graduated from Cooper High School in 1957 and continued his education at East Texas State University, graduating in 1961 with a bachelor of science in Math and a minor in Physics. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Melia McGaha of Cooper, Texas on June 18, 1961. Tommy, along with help from his entire family, operated Wilson Food Company in Cooper for 33 years.
Tommy gave us courage, hope, and a reminder of preciousness of life. He was the ultimate optimist. He loved spending time at the family farm, being with his children and grandchildren, and sharing the gospel with anyone who would listen. His favorite scriptures were Psalm 23 and John 3:16. He took no one or nothing for granted and lived each day in the goodness and love of the Lord.
Tommy is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary, and their three children and spouses, Todd Wilson and his wife Judy, of Sulphur Springs; Kyle Wilson and his wife Susan, of McKinney, Texas; and Lori (Wilson) McKay and her husband Joe, of Little Rock, Arkansas. He is also survived by his sister Kaywin (Wilson)Conley of Cooper and seven grandchildren,Tyler and Ryan Wilson of Sulphur Springs; Lindsey, Evan and Benjamin Wilson of McKinney; and Wilson and Joseph McKay of Little Rock.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs on Friday, August 3rd and a memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 4th at First Baptist Church in Cooper, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the ROC at First Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs, the Gideons International, or the Building for Kingdom Growth fund at the First Baptist Church in Cooper, Texas.
Tommy is rejoicing in heaven and is most certainly one of the newest tenors in heaven's choir.