Bobby Dean Wilson

Bobby Dean Wilson, of Groesbeck, passed away from his earthly life at Baylor Scott and White Hillcrest Hospital in Waco, while surrounded by his family, on Friday, November 8, 2024, at age 75.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Groesbeck Funeral Home.

Celebration of Life services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Saturday in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, with Dr. Keith Collier of the First Baptist Church of Groesbeck officiating. Burial will be a private family service at a later date. 

Honorary pallbearers will be Marcus Ray Hanna, Larry Black, Danny Hewitt, Mike Coker, Roger Watson, Don Sadler, and Deacons of First Baptist Church of Groesbeck.

Bobby was born September 4, 1949, to Earl K. Wilson and Linnie Ray (Patterson) Wilson in Groesbeck. He was the baby of the eight children in the family, and his sisters not only “babied” him but also practically raised him. He graduated from Groesbeck High School, Class of 1968. While in high school, Bobby played bass guitar in a band with several friends, and his mother made their matching shirts. They called the band “District 14,” and played at many local dances and parties. 

 After graduation, he moved to Cisco, near his sister and brother-in-law, and earned an associate’s degree in computers from Cisco Jr. College. 

Bobby and Debbie Tompkins were united in marriage on June 30, 1973, in Groesbeck. Bobby was introduced to Debbie by her aunt, Mildred Dockery, who was determined the two were going to be married, and 5 months after their first date, she was right. Two daughters were born to this family, and years later three grandchildren were added, who were the light of Bobby and Debbie’s lives. 

Bobby began his long career with the railroad as soon as he finished school at Cisco, with Missouri Pacific, which was later Union Pacific, under the watch of his brother Dwain. He started off as the low man on the engine, then to the brakeman on the caboose, then to conductor. He was always ready to help the other workers anywhere needed. He had to travel to Fort Worth or sometimes Waco, to begin his work trip, and was gone from home during much of the girls’ youth, although they did have wonderful family trips together. When he retired in 2009, he had worked for 40 years, and 2 million hours. 

Bobby loved to dance, and he and Debbie were devoted fans of Tony Douglas, from Athens. They travelled to his performances wherever he played all over Texas, often with their girls. Tony was known as “Mr. Nice Guy,” and became personal friends of the Wilson family. 

When Bobby retired from the railroad, he was lost knowing what to do to keep busy for a few months, until he became one of the drivers for the Limestone County Senior Citizens Transit, providing vital transportation services to Palestine, Waco or other places for medical appointments, and later, mostly in Limestone County for various trips. He really enjoyed picking up the Centex workers, including the “River boys” and others, and they all loved him. Bobby had endless patience and the heart of a true servant. 

He enjoyed fishing and hunting trips with the family and also hunting trips with his buddy Marcus Ray Hanna for over 30 years. He also was the driver of Debbie’s van for another group of Senior Citizens who were a great group of friends organized by Marcus Ray for trips to New Baden to eat fish. 

Bobby would give the jacket off his back to someone, including taking off his railroad jacket to give to someone he saw who was very cold. He loved to cook for the family, especially pork ribs and boudin. His family knew him to be “always prepared” and if they needed something, they knew he had it for them. 

Bobby loved the large and loud Wilson family BBQs and reunions from the time he was a little boy. They gathered at Ft. Parker, Kennedy Lake, FBC, or at he and Debbie’s home, and he always loved all the kids.

Bobby was a member of the Groesbeck Masonic Lodge #354, as were all his brothers, and had received his 50-year pin. The Wilson brothers were recognized at one time as the only family in Texas with so many men in the same lodge. Bobby was a member of the First Baptist Church of Groesbeck and served as Deacon during two different rotations. He was always ready to help, whether changing a lightbulb or painting outside, or any place needed. He will be dearly missed by his family and all who were touched during his life and acts of service. 

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters-in-law, Gayland and Mae Wilson, Wayland and Johnnie Wilson, Billie D. and Louise Wilson; sisters and brothers-in-law, Nela Faye and Robert Brown and Shirley and Carroll Scott; brother, Darwin “Buddy” Wilson; and a grandson, Kelby Aills (in 2008)

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Debbie Wilson; daughters, Amanda Amason and Jennifer Wilson and grandchildren, Nic Amason, Jolee Amason, and Chandler Aills (all of Groesbeck); brother and sister-in-law, Dwain and Darla Wilson of Speegleville; sister-in-law, Kimberly Langley; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family. 

If anyone wishes to honor Bobby with a memorial donation, please send to Limestone Senior Services Project, 510 W. State St., Groesbeck, TX  76642.