Graveside services for Billy Frank Wilson, 89, of Pontotoc and formerly of Leland were held on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at Leland-Stoneville Cemetery. He passed away on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at North MS Medical Center in Tupelo. Arrangements were under the direction of Boone Funeral Home, Leland.
Born July 26, 1931 to William M.“ Pete” Wilson and Roma (Romie) Dyan McKay Wilson in Sunflower, MS. His family moved to Avon, MS in 1935. He graduated from Riverside High School and went to work for Delta Supply Company.
His life was forever changed when he met Catherine Frazier while she was commuting with him to Greenville, MS for work. He came to know and accept Jesus as his Savior and soon the riding to work led to a “1st” date that then led to a 52-year marriage that not only included his precious wife but a daughter, Pat. Later the family grew to include a son, Frank and another daughter, Kaye.
Billy worked for Delta Supply Company for 25 years, first as a store manager and later as the general area manager of seven stores. The last 10 years of his business career was co-owner of A-1 Parts Store in Hollandale, MS with his 1st Cousin, Stanley McKay.
Most important to Billy was his Wife, Catherine and his family, Pat, Frank and Kaye. He was active in church, serving as a deacon at Lakeview Baptist Church in Leland, MS before moving the family to First Baptist Church in Leland, MS.
He loved fishing, hunting and mechanicing. He and Frank spent many Saturday’s hunting and fishing. One of the family’s fondest memories involved Billy and Catherine working the entire year of 1968-69 repairing and remodeling a cleaner’s truck into a camper. They then designed a 3-week trip that took the family from MS up through South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington State and returned to MS by way of a Southern route through Oregon, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and back to Leland, MS.
He was a loving husband and father. He was always just a phone call away and willing to help in any way needed. His mechanic skills provided a variety of cars for the family and children. He was well known for his wheeling and dealing. He would always say, “don’t get too attached to this car now, a good deal will come along, and I will sell it, and we will get you an even better car!”
In the years after his retirement he and Ms. Catherine enjoyed volunteering for the church and assisting with mission activities. Following the death of beloved Ms. Catherine, Billy moved to Pontotoc, MS where he was an active member of West Heights Baptist Church and the Baptist Wellness Center where he enjoyed visiting with new found friends. He spent the last 2 ½ years as a resident of Magnolia Manor of Tupelo, MS. On November 25, 2020, Billy passed peacefully with Frank by his side into Heaven where we are confident that he was met by his loving wife, Catherine and is now enjoying eternal life in the presence of God. We rejoice in a life well lived reflecting and serving his Savior Jesus Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents Pete and Romie Wilson, sister, Gloria Dean Wilson Sparks, wife, Catherine Frazier Wilson, son-in-law, Bill Siddon, and grandson, Steve Siddon. He leaves behind a daughter, Pat Siddon of Avon, MS, son, Frank Wilson and grandson, Dayn Wilson of Pontotoc, MS and daughter, Kaye Wilson-Anderson and son-in-law, Glenn Anderson of Gresham, Oregon. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering through any Southern Baptist Church or directly to the International Mission Board, VA.