Joe Alvin Wilson, long time resident of Gainesville, Texas, passed away Saturday, February 1st, at age 96, peacefully in his sleep. He was born the youngest of three children to C.G. and Georgia Wilson, living on the Ball Ranch in Myra, Texas. Georgia passed away unexpectedly at a young age and C.G. remarried giving him three more siblings.
Like his ancestors before him, Joe had farming and ranching in his blood and saw to it he always had land & cattle to work. He was very proud of his farm in Callisburg, Texas and loved the idea of it being passed down to the younger Wilson generations.
Joe worked for TXU Electric for 30 years from which he retired. Joe and his wife Lina Wilson then built a successful, small local business, The Waffle Inn, which they owned and operated for 20 years.
Joe was a member of the First Baptist Church of Gainesville, Texas for over 70 years.
Sergeant Joe Wilson served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War from January of 1951-October of 1952 and was in the Army Reserves until 1956. His friends jokingly called him “Kid Combat”. He was nominated for a Bronze Star for his heroic service.
Joe is survived by his wife of almost 74 years, Lina Grace Pond Wilson, daughter, Lisa Chandler of Fort Collins, Colorado and son Scott Wilson and wife Robin Wilson of Graham, Texas, four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Joe has one surviving sister, Jeannie Fleeman of Rogers, Arkansas, and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held in Gainesville, Texas at Meador Funeral Home on February 6 from 12:30 to 1:30 followed by a graveside service at 2:00 PM at the Fairview Cemetery in Gainesville, Texas with Dr. Jeff Langley, pastor of the First Baptist Church officiating. Interment will be under the direction of Meador Funeral Home.
The family would like to thank the staff of Elison Assisted Living in Graham, Texas where Joe has been staying for the last 19 months.
Thoughts and prayers to Wilson family. I have many fond childhood memories from over at the Wilson’s house. Joe was such a great man.
We are saddened to hear of the passing of our longtime family friend & farm neighbor. Joe always had a smile to share & blessed three generations of our families with his friendship. Our sincere condolences to his family.
I wanted to share my memories of Uncle Joe. Awesome and gracious host. Family thanksgiving days spent at their home. I lived in Gainesville for 6 months in 1984 and he drove me around the town helping me look for a rental house. I cannot be there for his service. Our daughter Lauren is in labor with her fourth child today and I need to watch my grandchildren here in HEB. Much love to the family!
Lina, Lisa and Scott,
Joe was always smiling and happy when I saw him. He waved and honked the horn as he drove by our house coming to or from your farm. He was a dear friend of the Hooper family.
He will be missed by all, I’m sure.
Lina, Lisa, Scott and family,
My deepest sympathy to you all. I had the pleasure of meeting Joe one morning in the early coffee drinkers group at GNB. What a joy to see Joe and the other guys before the workday started. He always shared pictures of grandkids and great grandkids and very proud of all of them. He loved his family deeply. What a blessing to know your dad! I will cherish the memories I have of Joe.
God bless you all. I know you miss him greatly.