My Daddy's Obituary
Written by: his daughter, Amy Jo Wilson ''AJ''
Ironically, in the Autumn, on November 22, 2023 when the brightest and best of life is falling, the leaves changing to their warm breathtaking hues and during the most pivotal time of the night, the fine line when our soul is diligently being prepared for greater things, Joe E. Wilson Jr., seventy-two (72) years, an age of wholeness and completion, took his last breath of life, with a weakening heart, to ascend into Heaven's, ''Golden Pearly Gates.''
He was born an only child, like a gift, a few days before Christmas, on December 23, 1950 in Waco, Texas to Navy Sailor, Joe E. Wilson and Mary Catherine Young Wilson. To no surprise, his favorite color has always been green. He attended Baylor University, Mclennan Community College, together for three years and University High School, Class of 1969. At times he spoke of possibly returning to school to become a History Professor. He was baptized and quite the cautious one after life experiences yet had a carefree, wild spirit as a boy and teenager. As life takes unexpected turns he chose a different route than planned and ended at the Veteran's Affairs Medical Center in Waco, Texas, with thirty-three years of commendable service, retiring in 2020, during Covid times, attempting to do whatever to keep his family as safe as humanly possible.
To family and friends, a trip around the United States by vehicle was a memory from his younger years that he spoke of often that his parents took him on. His face, with an impeccable smile lit up talking about it. Joe enjoyed Ferry Boat rides, long scenic drives, trips to the grocery store, music and teaching himself how to play acoustic and electric guitars in his spare time and had a room full of them. He helped around the house and was a fantastic cook on his days off. Fishing, especially in the Deep Sea was a high for him along with seafood of any kind and a Diet Dr. Pepper in his hand wherever he went. Air shows fascinated him and were something he liked to watch. He was left-handed and had slanted magnificent handwriting. The Texas State Guard (TXSG) was an organization he volunteered and participated in, throughly enjoying and took trips to assist in state emergencies. In the past few years he got into watching ''You Tube'' videos and always liked sitting down for a movie.
He met the love of his life, the beautiful office and computer guru, Pamela Kay Anderson Wilson, on a Blind Date and said he knew from day one that he was going to marry her and did so three months later on April 17, 1976. She hand made and sewed their wedding attire and said their ''I do's'' in a family-owned home setting in Robinson, Texas. Together they had two children, one daughter and six years later, one son. For forty-seven years they built a life together here locally in Elm Mott and Chalk Bluff, as well as appreciating the ocean in Galveston, his favorite past-time in the summers. He lived a humble life never wanting too much more than what he had. A visit to the beach sufficed. He was an athletic build and often seen as a wise intelligent man even many moons ago, always appearing younger than he was with a head full of brown hair.
In his last month, he took in past memories with family, spent time in the comfort of his home, then the hospital and rehab. Some final words in deep conversations he spoke, ''What's in the heart matters.'' … Upon every fiber of our being he will be immensely missed and thoughts treasured. The serene state of mind and tranquility of peace that abounds when piercing through into a reflective gaze, at the ocean, is how his soul will become a part of us, remembering the gift he was. Fly like a bird and rest until we meet again. We hold our hearts together with him.
He's preceded in death by his father, Joe E. Wilson, Great Grandparents and Step, Grandparents and Step, Great Uncles and Aunts, Best friend, Pat Porter, cousins and numerous friends of the family. He is survived by his wife, Pamela Kay Wilson, daughter, Amy Jo Wilson ''AJ'', and her three children: Noah A. Sosolik, Adah B. Sosolik and Holden A. Koch, son, Johnie Drew Wilson ''JD'', daughter-n-law, Nata lie C. McCormick Wilson and their two children: Evan G. Wilson and Maren E. Wilson, his mother Mary C. Wilson ,Great Aunt, Winifred Davis and numerous cousins.
Bellmead Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Graveside service is at Moore Cemetery, slightly outside of Waco in Chalk Bluff, TX on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 11:00 am.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said: ''Write it on your heart that EVERYDAY is the best day in the year.''
Joe Edwin Wilson, Jr.
Send Flowers
Service
Graveside
Saturday, November 25, 2023
11:00 am
Moore Cemetery
5137 Gholson Rd. (off FM Rd.933)
Waco, TX 76705
Map & Directions
Interment
Moore Cemetery
5137 Gholson Rd.
Waco, TX 76705
Map & Directions
Graveside
Saturday, November 25, 2023
11:00 am
Moore Cemetery
5137 Gholson Rd. (off FM Rd.933)
Waco, TX 76705
Map & Directions
Interment
Moore Cemetery
5137 Gholson Rd.
Waco, TX 76705
Map & Directions
Send Flowers
Condolences(5)
william martinez
Waco, TX Sunday, December 3, 2023 Pam,Amy, Johnny and family sorry for your loss . Joe and I worked together for almost 30 years . He not only was a great dad he was a great friend and great co-worker. Midnights at the V.A. very memorable working together . Today was a very sad day in finding out the loss of a friend.Paulette Anderson
Waco, TX Friday, November 24, 2023 ''I'm so sorry for the pain that you must be feeling right now; please know that I am here for you if you need a listening ear or shoulder to cry on.'' ''I'm sending warm wishes of peace and comfort to you in this difficult time.''Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear.
Paulette Anderson
Waco, TX Friday, November 24, 2023 ''I'm so sorry for the pain that you must be feeling right now; please know that I am here for you if you need a listening ear or shoulder to cry on.'' ''I'm sending warm wishes of peace and comfort to you in this difficult time.''Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear.
Mark Mitzel
Waco, TX Thursday, November 23, 2023 Our deepest condolences to our dear friends during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Pam Wilson
Waco, Tx, TX Thursday, November 23, 2023 I am at a loss for words, which is a first. Joe, I love you. You left me with two great children and their families to lean on. I appreciate them all so much. May you find peace and reunite with all our loved ones in Heaven. You were a good husband and father and grandfather. This is not what retirement was supposed to be like. But maybe now you will be able to breathe and do things you weren't able to do here on earth. Missing you in every thought.