Donnie Lex Wilson

Donnie Lex Wilson, 74, of Harrison, passed away peacefully after a long and courageous battle with cancer at his children's home on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
A son of John Edward Wilson and Elma Irene Payne Wilson, Donnie was born in the Rock Springs community on May 17, 1951. A proud veteran, Mr. Wilson faithfully served his country for 20 years in the United States Army Reserve with the 489th Engineer Battalion, first with Delta Company and later with Charlie Company. He retired in January of 1999, achieving the rank of sergeant. After his time in the Army Reserve, he also worked for Claridge for 43 years.
He had been a longtime member of the First Assembly of God in Harrison, where he served for many years as a Royal Ranger leader, guiding and mentoring young boys in both faith and life. He and his wife more recently had been attending the Christian Life Center. He was a man of strong faith, leading people to Christ whenever he found an opportunity. He had been active in the community as a youth sports coach, having coached both soccer and softball over the years. He was the number one fan of the Green Forrest girls' soccer team, of which his daughter Ashley coached.
Donnie was known for his storytelling, captivating anyone who had the pleasure of listening. He had a deep appreciation of history, and was a skilled woodworker, often creating meaningful pieces from sentimental items. He loved listening to his son Justin play guitar, and was also a musician himself, finding enjoyment in playing the dulcimer, banjo, and harmonica. He enjoyed spending time outdoors and shopping thrift markets and antique stores with his wife, but he especially loved spending time with his family. He was also very proud of his grandchildren, telling anyone and everyone of their accomplishments, and how much he loved them. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one grandson, Zion Montoya.
Survivors include his wife and best friend of 44 years, Eva Lou Terrell Wilson of Harrison; one brother, Johnny Rex (Sue) Wilson, of Harrison; one sister, Nancy Lee (Harland) Sharp, of Harrison; four children, Robin (Daniel) Love of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Rhonda (Juan) Montoya of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Justin (Shawna) Wilson of Harrison, and Ashley Wilson of Harrison; eight grandchildren, Courtney, Brittney, Austin, Sean, Tyreece, Elijah, Faith, and Colt; seven great-grandchildren, Jahlil, Penelope, Rayes, Dizayah, Riverlyn, and two more great-grandchildren on the way; and two beloved family pets, Romeo and Lil Bear.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Holt Memorial Chapel with Bro. Chuck Crow and Bro. Tim Hampton officiating. Burial will follow the service at Denning Cemetery under the direction of Holt Memorial Chapel.
Pallbearers will be Colt Wilson, Christian Warren, David Wilson, Marvin King Jr., Todd Cooper, Austin Love, and Sean Love. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the 489th Engineer Battalion, as well as former coworkers of Claridge.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Holt Memorial Chapel.
The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.HoltChapel.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donnie, please visit our floral store.