of Conway, AR
October 25, 1935 - January 23, 2022
Coach Jerry A. Wilson, 86, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2022, at Conway Regional Medical Center. He was born in Greenbrier, Arkansas on October 25, 1935, to Fred and Lois Glenn Wilson. A graduate of Greenbrier High School, he received his Bachelor's degree from Arkansas State Teachers College (UCA) where he was also a member of the basketball team, and later received his Master's degree from the University of Arkansas. He was an educator serving as a teacher, basketball coach, and administrator. Coach Wilson was a man of great integrity and character, and he led by his example. He loved teaching and coaching; and it was his great honor to help the students he taught and coached to be successful and develop character. He cared about his students. He was an encourager, supporter, and an inspiration to many. He began his teaching and coaching career in Quitman, Arkansas. He later began teaching and coaching at England High School in 1970 where he coached for over 25 years, later becoming an administrator there. He retired after over 30 years of service in education.
Jerry was a Christian, and a member of Second Baptist Church in Conway. His faith was developed and fostered as a child, and his faith in the Lord strengthened and guided him throughout his life. He was a beloved and cherished husband, father, and grandfather. He loved and treasured his family, and his family adored him. He developed friendships easily by his wonderful way of connecting to people. He had a keen wit and humor about him that was all his own. Many students fondly recall his witty phrases or a funny or clever nickname that he called them. Coach Wilson enjoyed playing sports, attending sporting events, or just watching sports - most especially the UCA Bears and the Arkansas Razorbacks. He enjoyed fishing, nature, wildlife, and identifying birds. He was also a very talented sketch artist.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Lois Wilson, his brother, Robert Wilson, and his sister, Freda Lou Wilson Mobley.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 64 years, Joy Leta Day Wilson; his daughter, Susan Carol Short of Conway; his son, Jeffrey Alan Wilson (Laura) of Rogers; his granddaughters, Amanda and Allison Short of Nashville, Tennessee; granddaughter, Cheney Wilson of Rogers; his sister, Margaret Mahan of St. Louis, Missouri; and special nieces, Amy Wilson Falleur, LeAnn Wilson Fryar, and Laura Mahan Brown.
A celebration service will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at McNutt Funeral Home chapel in Conway. Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Masks will be required before entering the chapel. Burial will follow at Needs Creek Cemetery in Greenbrier. Pallbearers will be Jeff Wilson, Bob Edwards, Jerry Falleur, Joey Fryar, Gene Brown and Hank Matthews. Honorary pallbearers will be Blake Lieblong, Freed Duncan, Jim Thomas, Jimmy Harmon, Jim Willcox, and Jerry Bradley.
The family would like to express their many thanks to the doctors and nurses at Conway Regional Medical Center who have provided expert, kind, and compassionate care. If desired, memorials may be made to the Senior Adult Ministry at Second Baptist Church, Conway, Arkansas or Conway Regional Health Foundation, Inc. All proceeds will go to the Conway Regional Wound Healing Center. Checks can be mailed to 2302 College Avenue, Conway, AR 72034, (ATTN. Jerry Wilson account) or online at www.conwayregional.org/foundation/giving.
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22 Condolence(s)
Loveida Ingram
Thursday, February 3, 2022
He. was a wonderful person & a great teacher.
Loretta Davenport
Friday, January 28, 2022
Joy Leta,
It hurt my heart when I saw Jerry's obituary in the paper. You both have always been so very kind to me and my family. I know you will miss him.
My thoughts, love and prayers are with you always.
Gary L Solee
Friday, January 28, 2022
Prayers for the family. He was a great man.
STEVE,CYNTHIA MILLS
Friday, January 28, 2022
Thinking of you. I have a lot great memories of your family. LOVE YOU ALL STEVIE
John and LeVida Bain
Thursday, January 27, 2022
Everything we have heard about Jerry Wilson's character and life was that he was genuine, friendly, God-fearing, and admirable. We see his legacy in Jeff, Laura, and Cheney Beth who we value as friends and Christian examples. God bless all of you.
Sara & Herman Barnett
Thursday, January 27, 2022
We have so many wonderful memories with this family…. ever since we were born! We loved him & their whole bunch. There was a Grand Welcome by a huge throng of Christians waiting for Jerry. Hugs & Prayers for comfort!
Ronnie and Carolyn Jones
Thursday, January 27, 2022
Susan and family, we so enjoyed getting to know your parents in the worship service at Second Baptist. Such a wonderful couple. I loved how your dad always watched over your mother. We were sad to learn of his passing and will be praying for you and his other loved ones. So enjoyed watching the video! It makes me smile to think he's standing up straight without that walker as he's healed in Heaven with Jesus. Love you.
Trudy Collison
Thursday, January 27, 2022
Joy, so sorry for you and your family's loss. Jerry was a gentleman with a kind soul. Loved his humor and big smile for all. Had patience with know stopping point. Loved the time I spent with Joy and Jerry. Sending love and prayers to all.
Sandie Bradshaw Smith
Thursday, January 27, 2022
I'm sending my love & prayers for you during this difficult time. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Jerry was a gentle giant among men. I always enjoyed knowing him & talking with him. My prayers are with Joy as she negotiates this time & Susan & Jeff as well. God bless & keep you all in His loving embrace.
CARRITTA PARKER DEVLIN
Thursday, January 27, 2022
Coach
Was one of the most delightful humans I have every meet. He made everyone feel special. He helped me find my courage when I didn't think I had any. He encouraged me to dig deeper so I could be excellent as a student ''well in his classes anyway ''. He kept us laughing with his silly words of expression. He was a great man. Thank you, Wilson family, for sharing him with us.
Valerie Baker
Thursday, January 27, 2022
Coach Wilson was the best person for the job of coach , teacher , administrator. I am so thankful for the opportunity to learn so many life skills my memories of him will forever warm my heart. Thank you Coach
Judy Richardson
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Thinking of your family during this time
Carroll and Gena Bishop
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Susan, we were so sorry to learn of your dad's passing. What a special man! We have many fond memories of visiting with your parents at church over the years. We will miss him. Praying for you, your mom and family during this time.
Sam Sneed
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Thoughts and prayers for the Wilson Family. You couldn't ask for better neighbors than the Wilson's. I always enjoyed visiting with Jerry when I would see him. He was always a shining light and such a pleasure to talk to. He will be missed by many folks.
Hank and Diane Matthews
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Mr. Jerry was such a kind, gentle and compassionate man. We heard stories from when he was coaching of all the sacrifices he made to give his student -athletes a wonderful high school experience.
We love the years we got to spend with he and his family. Our hearts go out to Miss Joy, Susan, Jeff and their families. He will he sorely missed.
Evelyn Adams
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Joy, Susan and Jeff: I was so saddened to hear of Jerry's passing. I have such pleasant memories of working with them and being in church with them. My heart goes out to you at this time and you are in my prayers. Love, Evelyn Adams
Patricia Carter- Lewis
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
I Loved Coach Wilson, He Coached Me In Track at England High School, He also was my Driver Education Teacher....I Scared Him So Bad that He Never let me drive again.... I Told Him, I just don't understand How people drive without running off the road.
Melissa Harmon
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
I don't think there will ever be another Coach Wilson, who touched so many young lives with his gentle spirit, his patience, and his humor. We will forever quote some of his funniest phrases in our family, and I will hear them in his voice. I know I am better off in this life to have known him. Much love and prayers to Mrs. Joy, Susan, Jeff, and all your family'"❤️
Penny Rose
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Susan, praying for the Lord's peace and strength for you and you family.
Melissa Harmon
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
I don't think there will ever be another Coach Wilson, who touched so many young lives with his gentle spirit, his patience, and his humor. We will forever quote some of his funniest phrases in our family, and I will hear them in his voice. I know I am better off in this life to have known him. Much love and prayers to Mrs. Joy, Susan, Jeff, and all your family'"❤️
Virginia Webb
Monday, January 24, 2022
Joy and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for each of you!
Jerry was a good man,he was one of the best cotton scouts we
ever had. Love and prayers thru this difficult time.
Virginia Webb
Johnny Mills
Monday, January 24, 2022
Uncle Jerry, You was always one of my favorites. Your family was always good to me.