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Lewis Elray Wilson

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August 21, 1930 - January 14, 2014 Elray Wilson passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2014 on his ranch in Kerrville, TX. He was surrounded by his family and devoted wife of 62 years, Genia Joann Bowers Wilson (Jody). Elray was born in Beaumont, TX, August 21, 1930 to Marvin and Dula Wilson and attended South Park High School. He and Jody married in Beaumont on March 23, 1951. Elray served from 1951-1953 in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War stationed in Portland, Oregon. Returning to Beaumont after service to his country, he began his career as an electrician, superintendent and estimator with Hinote Electric. In 1969, along with partners, Goldcrest Electric was formed and 45 years later Goldcrest still operates as one of Beaumont's oldest and most respected electrical contractors. Upon his retirement in 1994, Elray moved to Kerrville where he owned and operated Rocking W Ranch. One of his greatest joys in life was raising trophy Whitetail and Axis deer. During his business career he was very active in Beaumont Civic affairs. He was a long time member of Beaumont Kiwanis Club and served as President. In 1977 the Beaumont Kiwanis Club awarded him as Distinguished Kiwanian of the Year. He also served on the Board of Directors of the 400 member Downtown Beaumont Rotary Club. In 1992 he was named a Paul Harris Fellow, the highest recognition awarded by Rotary. Elray had a compassionate heart for disadvantaged youth in Beaumont. He served as President of Boys Haven and actively supported its outreach and mission. A passionate supporter of Christian education, Elray and Jody established an Endowed Scholarship to support students of Harding University in Searcy, AR. Each semester multiple students benefit from their generous gift. A life long member of the Church of Christ, Elray served in leadership positions in every church he was associated, serving 16 years as a Deacon and cumulative 34 years as an Elder. A dedicated student of the Bible, he taught Sunday School classes for over 50 years. Elray was a founding member of Riverside Church of Christ in Kerrville. Elray's greatest joy was helping spread the Gospel. Active in support of Mission's with both his time and resources, he made multiple trips to start churches and mission work in Australia, Africa, Ireland and Guatemala. Elray was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Dula Wilson; granddaughter, Jamie Wilson; sister, Novice Erickson; and brother, Conway Wilson. Surviving loved ones include his loving wife, Jody of Kerrville; daughter, Judy Walker (Doug) of Keller, TX; sons, Steve Wilson (Shana) of Beaumont, TX and Tim Wilson of Kerrville, TX; sister, Wanda Ryals of Waco, TX; brother, Marvin Wilson Jr. of Lumberton, TX; granddaughters, Lindsey Thomas (Jason), Ashley Blake (Jordan), Whitney Walker, Nicole Wilson and Corynn Wilson; and great granddaughter, Addison Blake. Visitation will be held Friday, January 17, 2014, 5-7 PM at Riverside Church of Christ. Services will be held Saturday, January 18, 2014, 11 AM at Riverside Church of Christ. Interment will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery. Pallbearers are Jordan Blake, Jason Thomas, David Ellis, Brad Ryals, John Rose and Doyle Brown. Honorary Pallbearers are the Elders of Riverside Church of Christ. If you wish to bless Elray's life with a memorial gift, a couple of Elray's favorites causes are: Harding University, Elray and Jody Wilson Endowed Scholarship Fund, Box 12238, Searcy, AR 72149; Riverside Church of Christ, Education Building Fund, 625 Harper Road, Kerrville, TX 78028. Condolences may be sent at www. grimesfuneralchapels.comFuneral arrangements are entrusted to Grimes Funeral Chapels of Kerrville.

Published in The Beaumont Enterprise on Jan. 17, 2014

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