of Conway, AR
October 10, 1937 - January 29, 2024
Wilson Vandiver, 86, of Conway, Arkansas peacefully passed away on January 29, 2024 with his wife by his side.
He was born to the late W.W. and Ella Rea Vandiver in Dardanelle, Arkansas. He graduated from Hendrix College in 1959, and was an Aeronautical and System lnstrumentation Engineer at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center for 34 years in Southern California.
Wilson is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sada Vandiver and their three children, Stephanie Simms (Dale) of Baltimore; Sharna Vandiver (Tarlan) of Baltimore; Chad Vandiver (Elizabeth) of Bryn Mawr and his three grandsons, Cole Simms, William Vandiver and Henry Vandiver.
Wilson was a loving and dedicated husband and father. He enjoyed traveling the world with his wife and was proud of his work at NASA. He leaves behind many friends and will be greatly missed by his family.
Funeral Services and Interment will be private. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in his memory.
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13 Condolence(s)
Danielle Winston
Friday, February 23, 2024
Deepest sympathies a lifting up of prayer for the whole family. Wilson truly meant a lot to me and my children as a mentor and friend.
Duncan & Denise Wolford
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
So sorry for the Vandiver family especially Sada. Will always remember the good times creating, great memories knowing Wilson & Sada. May Wilson RIP.
Ron Young
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
I have known Wilson from the very first day I started work at NASA. Wilson was a great friend and I often sought his advice thru my entire career at NASA. I sincerely extend my condolences to Sada and the all of Wilson's family.
David L Henze
Monday, February 5, 2024
Sorry to hear about Mr. Vandiver's passing. I met him several years ago at Holly's Restuarant. Really enjoyed visiting with him at lunch. Especially enjoyed his stories about the small grocery store his parents owned on what was then HWY 65 (now HWY 365) toward Mayflower. The building is currently occupied by Taylor Made restaurant. I believe the Vandiveres sold the business to Mr. Sidebottom at some point.
I remember him talking about his parents renting mobile home spaces next to the grocery store to the construction workers that were working on all of the missile sites that were being built in central Arkansas. He was a very interesting gentleman. I have missed not seeing him at lunch for the past several years. May he rest in peace.
Patricia Woodard Remke
Monday, February 5, 2024
On behalf of the Woodard family, prayers and condolences for your family. We all remember Wilson for his kindness, thoughtfulness, generosity and ready smile. What a blessing it was to have him in in our lives growing up. We all have many fond memories.
One of ten, Patricia Woodard Remke
Pegge Griffin
Thursday, February 1, 2024
So sorry to hear about Wilson’s passing. May happy memories carry you through this sad time. Prayers coming your way. Love, Pegge Griffin
Clyde Paulk
Thursday, February 1, 2024
I am saddened to learn of Wilson’s passing. He was a great friend through many years of primary and secondary education. I want to give all my sympathy to his family.
Carolyn and Jim Dunbar
Thursday, February 1, 2024
Wilson was a man of great character and wisdom, and a good Bridge player, I might add. I will always remember the hours of time Wilson spent serving the Katrina storm victims, as they found temporary refuge in Conway’s Don Owen Sports Center.
Sending much love to Sada and family
Lawrence and Raelyn Myers
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
So sorry for your loss. He was a great engineer.
Don BENNETT
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
I am very sorry to hear of Wilson's passing. I enjoyed many great ski outings
with your family. My cell phone # is 1-330-715-8201 which works much better that the old land line.
Terry Putnam
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Wilson was a good man and a true friend.
Paul and Carol Reukauf
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Wilson was a very talented engineer and a good friend. We extend our sympathy to Sada and family for their loss
Ed Hamlin
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
I worked with Wilson for many years - more than I can count. He was always a positive person and willing to help with anything. I am sorry to read of his passing. May God bless his family, and welcome him with open arms.