03/16/2026
Billy Mack Wilson was born September 27, 1944, in Joaquin, Texas, to Lillian Victoria (Jacobs) Wilson and Edgar Eugene Wilson. He passed away on March 16, 2026 in Shreveport, LA after a brief illness.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Janice Wilson of Old Center, Texas; son, Rusty Wilson and wife Marleena of Joaquin, Texas; grandchildren, Ava Wilson and Jack Wilson of Joaquin, Texas; grandson, Ty Wilson and wife Stephanie of Flat Woods, Texas, and great-grandchildren, Emma Wilson and Ellie Wilson; grandson, Trey Wilson of Nassau Bay, Texas, and his son, Greyson Wilson; brother, Edgar Wilson of Grand Cane, Louisiana; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Billy Lynn Wilson; his mother, Lillian Victoria Jacobs Wilson; and his father, Edgar Eugene Wilson.
Billy Mack worked hard and loved hard. He and Janice were married for 63 years, a testament to their commitment to a bond that God had ordained. They took their vows seriously, and their marriage stood as a shining example of faithfulness and devotion.
Early in their marriage, Billy worked as a truck driver before moving on to the oil field, first in offshore drilling, then working for various oil companies from 1980 until he was 75 years old. He was known for his work ethic and dedication to whatever job he was doing, from handling a wrench on a compressor to supervising multiple fields throughout Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania.
He loved his family deeply. He was a loving father who took time to take his sons fishing, attend their sporting events, and push them to be the best they could be. He always encouraged his sons to strive for a life better than the one he had. He was a loving grandfather, first with Trey and Ty, whom he loved so deeply and enjoyed so many moments with. Later, he turned that same love and joy to Greyson, Emma, Ellie, Ava, and Jack.
Billy committed his life to the Lord Jesus Christ in the 1980s and made First Baptist Church his church home. He was faithful in leading his family to be in church and leading them to find the Lord for many years to come.
Billy loved his community and was dedicated to making sure it was safe and protected. He was proud to be part of the establishment of the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department, from attending its first meeting in 1973 to being voted its first assistant chief. The JVFD held a special place in his heart throughout his life.
Billy loved the Joaquin Rams and the Dallas Cowboys. He was so happy to watch his Rams make the state finals last year and had been a dedicated, if occasionally disappointed, Cowboys fan for many years. He was a faithful friend to many over the years, spending many of them RV camping at various places across the region.
His hard-working attitude never left him, even to the end. He loved having a garden, raising vegetables, and keeping his yard well maintained, even owning three riding mowers to make sure it was done right. Billy will be remembered for his kindness to others and his never-quit attitude.
As he said in his last days, God had blessed him with a good life.
Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Joaquin with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. Bro. Paul Silvey and Bro. Eugene McBride will officiate. Interment will follow at Lone Cedar Cemetery in Shelby County.
Pallbearers will be Rodney Dean, Roger Balkcom, Jeremy Boyett, Stephen Ewing, Paul Eubanks, and Mark Hodges. Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Cockrell, Mark Lawrence, and Riley McBride.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 237, Joaquin, Texas 75954.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
