ELROY WILSON, SR.

Reflections on the Life of

Deacon Elroy Wilson, Sr. was born on March 28, 1937, in Waelder, Texas, to the parentage of Mr. McKinley and Mrs. Lillian Jones Wilson.

He went to be with his heavenly father on Friday, January 23, 2026.

He accepted Christ at an early age and served as a deacon at St. Petersburg Baptist Church in Waelder, Texas, under Pastor Earnest Barnes. He later became a member of Union Lea Missionary Baptist Church in Gonzales, Texas.

He attended Ralph Bunch High School in Waelder, Texas. Upon completion of high school, he obtained his CDL driver's license and worked for the city of Waelder, Texas, as a motor grader and a  Heavy Equipment operator for many years.

He was a rancher and started the cattle business in 1952.  He purchased his first cow and put it on layaway for five dollars and remained in the cattle business for over fifty years. He previously worked in the Gonzales Independent School District for 10 years as a bus driver and for the county as a heavy equipment driver for many years.

Whether seated behind his tractor in the pasture or attending his herd, Elroy was known for his warm humor and happy smile.  Elroy embraced the opportunity to pass down the skills and wisdom he had, whether raising cattle, growing a beautiful garden, growing vegetables, fishing, or mending fences with his sons and wife, Lois.  These shared moments became some of the most treasured experiences of his life.   Elroy was known for the smile on his face and the stories he loved to share. His joy was steady, his work was purposeful, and his presence brought comfort and laughter to those around him. His legacy lives on in the lessons he taught, the land he cared for, and mostly the love of his family.

Deacon Elroy Wilson was the senior lead deacon of Union Lea Missionary Baptist Church, a Church treasurer, choir member, bible school supporter, faithful member of his church, and attended bible study weekly.

He was instrumental in leading the church to a new fellowship hall.  The fellowship hall of Union Lea Baptist Church was named in his honor as the Elroy Wilson Fellowship Hall.

Elroy was united in Holy Matrimony to Lois Wilson on August 24, 1984, and they were married for forty-four years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Pattie Young, and Ruthie Cleveland. Brother: Defate Wilson, and McKinley Wilson Jr.

He leaves to cherish the memory of his loving wife, Lois Wilson, for forty years. His children are Elroy Wilson, Jr. (Joyce), Raymond Wilson (Laetitia), Johnny Garrett  (Brenda), and Joann McKinney.  His brothers: Eugene Wilson, Sr., Louis Wilson (Barbara), Ernest Wilson, Earlie Wilson (Ollie), Otis Wilson (Ella). Sisters: Betty Rice, Mablene, Nora Lee, Margie Jackson, and Wilma Jean.  Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A host of nieces, nephews, friends, and the Union Lea Church family.

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