Jimmy Lee Wilson

1934 - 2021

Jimmy Lee Wilson, 86, of Benton, went to his heavenly home on April 24, 2021. He was born June 16, 1934 in Sheridan,and was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Euna Grubbs Wilson; sisters, Louise (Benny) Carter, of Tull,and Betty Ann (Jerry) Thomason, of Benton; brothers, Jackie Wayne (Paula) Wilson, of Dallas, Texas, Danny (Annette) Wilson, of Bauxite; and his wife of 30 years, lrmtraud Elizabeth Wilson. He is survived by his wife of nine years, Devona Meeks Wilson; son, Robert (Jodi) Wilson; stepson, W.C. Hardaway; and stepdaughter, Jane Luck (John) Wallace, of Camden; grandson Alex Wilson; two step-grandchildren, three step-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He joined the U.S. Army June 29, 1953, and went through basic and advanced combat training at Fort Chaffee, where he qualified expert with the Ml Garand Rifle and Ml Carbine. He was also trained on the 3.5-Inch bazooka, .50 caliber and .30 caliber machine guns. Before the Army years he supported his mom and four siblings with various jobs. He picked cotton, worked in a Colorado Copper Mine, worked at Alcoa, milked cows, kept bees and horses, hunted and fished. He continued to support his family at home from the Army. He told many interesting tales of his 23 years in the service - even of his three tours in Vietnam. During one of those years he was commander of the only Army PBR Unit of eight boats on the Dong Nai River. Jimmy often performed country music on the stage during the Army years with his guitar, harmonica and singing. At the NCO Club, he mingled with famous guest performers including Charlie Pride and Freddie Hart. He was especially glad to have been one of Bob Hope's armed guards. Twelve years were spent in Germany where he met his wife lrmtraud and her young son, Robert, whom he later adopted. Robert is a talented drummer who toured as a teenager with Pam Tillis. Grandson Alex is also a talented guitarist. Jimmy was an avid hunter, fisherman and gardener plus a lover of classic country music. He was so proud of his immediate family. All were great musicians. Brother Wayne played with the Buck Owens band. His brother, Danny, wrote music and lyrics and played banjo and every kind of guitar. His music was published and played in Europe. His dad played the mandolin, mom played lead guitar, Louise played rhythm guitar, and Betty Ann played piano.
While in the Army, he earned the bronze star but refused a purple heart for shrapnel wounds in his face and neck because he saw body bags nearby of fallen soldiers. His other honors were nine meritorious service awards, five good conduct medals, four Army commendation medals, Army occupation medal (Germany), six overseas bars, Vietnam campaign medal, Vietnam service medal, National defense service medal and expert marksman in rifle, carbine, and pistol. Four years were spent in the U.S. as Game and Fish Director of the Army Military Park at Newport News, Virginia After Army retirement, Jimmy served over 20 years as a security officer at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock. He was an outdoors man and animal lover. Jimmy attended Indian Springs Baptist Church where he worked for a time in the Recess Program for handicapped children. He enjoyed a men's life group, plus XYZ activities and trips. He was member of Highland Heights Baptist Church. Another favorite activity was attending the Bryant Senior Activity and Wellness Center at least twice a week for the country band performances on Wednesdays and Bingo on Friday's, In fact, that is where he met, got engaged to, and married his wife, Devona. She was given away by her elderly father, Dwight Meeks, who was a faithful member of the center. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, at Pinecrest Funeral Home, 7401 Highway 5 North, Alexander, AR. Funeral services will be Thursday 2 pm at Indian Springs Baptist Church, 23581 I-30, Bryant. Burial will follow with Military Honors in Forest Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Indian Springs Baptist Church, P.O. Box 486, Bryant, AR 72089. Please leave messages for the family at www.pinecrestfh.com.