William Thomas Wilson

Born November 9, 1926, at Tate and Varnell's Sawmill in Grapevine, Grant County, Arkansas, to Samuel Thomas and Mary Eller Reed Wilson. William Thomas "Bill" Wilson died on April 10, 2011, at Gardner Nursing Center in Star City, Arkansas. Raised on sawdust and blackeyed peas, he was always grateful for what God supplied. Ordained to the ministry March 3, 1946, he attended the Missionary Baptist Institute in Little Rock, Arkansas and ministered in Texas, Arkansas and Kentucky. He was pleased to be a lifetime member of Columbia Lodge, No. 82 in Magnolia, Arkansas. He was raised to the Degree of Master Mason on January 28, 1966, at Border Lodge No. 672, Texarkana, Texas; Royal and Select Master, November 5, 1966, B.T. Estes Council No. 198, Texarkana, Texas; Companion of the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, Knight of Malta & a Knight Templar, Texarkana Commandery, No. 64, March 19, 1966; 32 Degree of Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite, June 14, 1969, Dallas Consistory in the Valley of Dallas, Orient of Texas; Noble of the Mystic Shrine, June 14, 1969, Hella Temple of Dallas, Texas. Each of his children filled a special place in his life, George and Bettye Wilson of Star City, Samuel and Kathy Wilson of Searcy, Becky and Michael Elliott of Magnolia, and Cindy and Danny Nix of Magnolia. William was blessed with nine grandchildren, William T. "Bill" Wilson of Fayetteville, Elizabeth Wilson of Star City, Tanya and Scott Biddle of Searcy, Stacy Wilson of Fayetteville, Jason Elliott of Magnolia, Matthew Elliott of Tucker, Halee and Jordy Burchfield of Conway, Dillon Nix and Dalton Nix, both of Magnolia, and four great-grandchildren; Zephi Biddle, Zebediah Biddle, Ian Elliott and Lilah Mae Joyann Vasquez. Pallbearers are Thomas Wilson, Eugene Wilson, Scott Biddle, Ron Cannon, Jordy Burchfield and David Vasquez. Honorary pallbearers are Tanya Biddle, Stacy Wilson, Jason Elliott, Matthew Elliott, William Wilson, Elizabeth Wilson, Halee Burchfield, Robby Rose, Dillon Nix and Dalton Nix. Funeral Services will be conducted by Bro. Danny Nix at 11 a.m., Friday, April 15, 2011 at Griffin Funeral Services Chapel. Burial and Masonic Graveside Services are at 1 p.m.. Friday, April 15, 2011 at Wilson Cemetery in Cleveland County. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Charity of Donor's choice. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City. Online obituary at www.griffinfuneralservice.net.