On Thursday, January 1, 2026 Roy Gene Wilson Sr. of Gloster, MS walked into the arms of his Father and Savior Jesus Christ. His time of battling an unknown illness had made his earthly body weak and weary but he is now rejoicing with his family and friends who have gone on before him in the glories of heaven.

Roy Gene was born to Wade and Mary Brown on December 15, 1947 into humble beginnings in the small town of Crosby, MS. He met his beloved wife Cheryl Rollins Wilson as a youngster in school.  He would walk and hitchhike for miles to be able to spend time with her.  Not long after their marriage, he was drafted into the war with Vietnam.  He proudly served the country that he loved as a member of the Army.

Over the years, he and his wife had three children of whom he loved and was extremely proud, often chatting with complete strangers about what he felt were their many accomplishments. He never missed a day making sure they were safe even when they were grown and living on their own. His children's deep devotion to Christ, their church and others can be attributed to the role model he set before them.  He also cherished and was proud of his son in law who went above and beyond as a caretaker.

Roy Gene was a hard worker. He loved growing a garden and sharing the bounty of it with neighbors.  Because he grew up with hardly a pair of shoes on his feet, he was determined to provide a good life for his family.  He worked for GP and then the Tembec papermill from which he retired. He enjoyed his job and formed eternal bonds with many of the workers that he met there. He spoke with most of them weekly and prayed for them daily. He never wanted to miss a call from Terry Grady or Ken Causey, coworkers that treated him like family.

Roy Gene loved the Smokey Mountains and never met a stranger while there or anywhere else. He loved to talk and listen to a person's life story and made them feel special. He gave often beyond his means and was genuinely concerned about everyone's well being even until the very end, often asking each of us to check on beloved friends and neighbors. During his many hospital stays, he spent more time making sure his medical team was ok than he did himself. Most importantly, he witnessed to every single person that crossed his path to make sure they had a personal relationship with Christ. He was bold and the epitome of a true follower of Christ.

He is survived by his dedicated wife of 58 years, Cheryl Rollins Wilson; two sons Roy Wilson Jr. and Jonathan Wilson, one daughter Stephanie Grice, one devoted son-in-law Carl Grice, one brother Earnest Brown, a devoted friend David Bradley, two great grandchildren Ila and Robert Whitlock, 4 nephews and 5 nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents Wade and Mary Brown, his two brothers, Ralph Wilson and Jack Wilson, one sister Martha Juneau, one nephew Welsey Nettles, his life long friend Doyle Whitehead, and many other family and friends.

The family would like to say a special thanks to his care team at Franklin County Memorial Hospital for loving him like he was their own and going above and beyond the call of duty.  He loved them all. Special thanks to Dr. Caleb Zumbro, Audrey, Ana, Vickie, Angela, Candace, Brandy, Michelle, Holly, Kee Kee and a long list of others.  They would also like to thank Jackie Anders who took time out of her busy schedule to help with the extensive care it required for him to be able to spend his final days at the home that he loved.

Visitation will be at Zion Hill Baptist Church Liberty, MS. from 7:00 – 9:00pm, Sunday January 4, 2025. Funeral services are from 10:00am – 12:00pm on Monday January 5, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Kevin Dixon and Bro. Carl Grice. Interment is at New Hope Methodist Protestant Church, Gloster, MS.

Pallbearers are Brian Anders, David Bradley, Ken Causey, Will Causey, Joey Grice, and Preston Wilkinson.   Honorary Pallbearer is Bob Etheridge.