Robert M. Wilson

ROBERT M. WILSON, developer, banker and aviation enthusiast, died on June 28, 2012. Wilson was born Nov. 19, 1922 to Winston Peabody Wilson and Eunice Martin Wilson in Little Rock, Ark. Wilson attended Little Rock public schools and graduated from Little Rock Senior High in 1940. He was a member of the Delta Sigma fraternity and was a soloist with the A Cappella Choir. Wilson was called to active duty and training in the fall of 1940 with the 154 Observation Squadron. After attending Louisiana State University for one year, he joined the Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet and received his wings as a 2 Lieutenant. He served four years as a reconnaissance and mapping pilot in Brazil and Central America during the war. He was discharged in September of 1945 as a captain with senior pilot wings. After the war, Wilson immediately enrolled in the University of Arkansas and joined the Sigma Chi fraternity. A member of the Student Senate and Blue Key Club and president of the Booster Club, Wilson orchestrated numerous school events including the direction of the half-time activities during the 1946 Cotton Bowl. Wilson completed his degree in industrial management in 1948, and, upon graduation, he founded the Wilson Company and became a Major in the Arkansas Air National Guard as a part-time Guardsman. Throughout his life, Wilson played a significant role in Arkansas' emerging real estate and banking markets. Working with Arkansas-Louisiana Gas Co., the Wilson Company developed seven major subdivisions in Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. In addition to the Wilson Company, he formed TWC Mortgage Company, merging with Thom Godwin Wilson. Later the company acquired the Modern American Mortgage Company, which was sold to Union National Bank. In 1970 Wilson joined the Union National Bank as Senior Vice President where he was in charge of lending and mortgage operations. The Mortgage Company grew from less than two million in servicing to an excess of two billion during his tenure. He retired from Union National in 1998. After retiring from the Union National Bank, he and George Pitts purchased Madison Guaranty Savings and Loan to create Central Bank and Trust which was sold to Arvest Bank in 2000. In 2002 he purchased a major interest in the First State Bank of Russellville. Wilson also had a great passion for aviation and made major contributions to both military and commercial flight in Arkansas. In 1953 he became the first Base Commander of a newly formed 184th Reconnaissance Squadron that eventually became the 188 Wing. In 1956 he transferred to Headquarters as the State Operations Officer. During his military career he flew a variety of aircrafts: PT-19, P-51, B-25, P-80, and B-57. He retired in 1963 as a Lieutenant Colonel with Command Pilot Wings. In the early 1970's he was appointed to the Little Rock Airport Commission and served 18 years as chairman. During that period the airport developed additional runways making possible the expansion of the next twenty years. In 2004, Wilson was inducted in the Aviation Hall of Fame for his contributions. Wilson was also an active member in his community. He was a founding member of St. Marks Episcopal Church. Later, Wilson joined Trinity Cathedral and served on its vestry. He served on the boards of the Boy Scouts of America Quapaw, the Boys and Girls Club, the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, and the Mortgage Banker's Association of Arkansas. Wilson was also a member of the Little Rock Country Club, the Rotary Club, and the Old Goats, and was a 32nd Degree Mason. Mr. Wilson is predeceased by his brother Major General Winston Wilson Jr., chief of the National Guard Bureau in Washington DC, his sister Jeanne Anthony, founder of the Anthony School, and his first wife Jan Herrick. Mr. Wilson is survived by his wife of 22 years, Jane McGehee Wilson, sons Robert Wilson Jr. and Charles Wilson, grandchildren Robert Wilson III, Jillian Wilson and Helen Wilson, nieces Deann Newell and Andrea Romine, his step-relatives Jim, Scott, Lisa, Sam, Max, Sophie, Starke, Margie, Scotty, Milo, and Ely McGehee, his close business associate Janet Dillon, and his life-long housekeeper Dorothy Hickman. Bob Wilson was widely known as a man with a zest for life, generosity of spirit, and profound integrity and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A visitation will be held on Monday, July 2, 2012 from 5-7 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral with The Very Rev. Jonathon Jensen officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to the Bob and Jane Wilson Nursing Scholarship Fund at UAMS, 4301 West Markham St., Little Rock, Ark. 72205 or to Trinity Cathedral or the charity of choice. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.