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.''