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Submitted: 2/2/15 • Approved: 2/2/15 • Last Updated: 3/3/22 • R763874-G763874-S3
Ray
Mar 18, 1921 IN
Oct 19, 2014 West Plains, Howell, MO
Zola
Sep 9, 1934
Apr 30, 2000
Ray Lawrence Wilson, Jr., was born March 18, 1921 to Ray L. Wilson, Sr., and Frances M. Wilson at their home in Beech Grove, Indiana. He passed away on October 19, 2014 at the age of 93 at Ozarks Medical Center, West Plains, Missouri, surrounded by his loving family.
Ray was baptized at an early age. He attended Oak Grove School through eighth grade. He served four years in the Navy. He was raised around horses and that is how he met the love of his life, Zola Ford. He always said, “The women would come over to ride the horses and not to see me.” Ray and Zola were united in marriage on May 2, 1953 and they were happily married for 46 years.
To this marriage, ten children were born: Vernon Wilson and wife Mary of Cabool, Missouri, Eddie Wilson and wife Elaine of Laquey, Missouri, Randy Wilson and wife Roberta of Licking, Missouri, Carl Wilson of Cabool, Rebeccah Slinger and husband Gregory of Cabool, Linda Harmon and husband Michael of Cabool, Bonnie Field and husband Charles of Elk Creek, Missouri, Eric Wilson of Cabool, Robert Wilson and wife Karrie of Mountain Grove, Missouri, and Jason Wilson of Mountain Grove. Ray had 30 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
For many years Ray worked as a heavy equipment operator. After he retired, he enjoyed spending his time brushing and tending to his horses and his little companion, a Chihuahua named Teke.
He is survived by his children Eddie, Randy, Carl, Rebeccah, Linda Bonnie, Eric, Robert and Jason; his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren and his great-great-grandchild, as well as his sister-in-law, Francis Wilson of Houston, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Zola; his parents, Ray and Frances Wilson; two brothers, Robert and Kenneth Wilson; a sister, Frances West; a daughter-in-law, Mary Wilson; and his eldest child, Vernon Ray Wilson.
He will be sadly missed by his many friends and family members
Contributed on 2/2/15 by mjrwag
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Record #: 763874