Tommy "Tom" Wilson, Jr.

Tommy “Tom” Wilson, Jr., 86 of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, passed away on Wednesday, July 04, 2012. He died peacefully surrounded by his family at the Senior Suites Nursing Home in Broken Arrow, OK after complications from a stroke. He was born on March 28, 1926 near McCawber, OK to Tom and Eva Wilson both now deceased. He was preceded in death by his brother, Ret. Lt. Col. Lloyd Wilson and sisters; Hazel Willingham and Dorothy Wilson. Tom attended school in Paden, OK. In 1944 he graduated from high school, joined the Merchant Marines and saw the world. After the war he attended Oklahoma State University where he met the love of his life Lura Dupree. They married on March 11, 1949 and recently celebrated their 63rd anniversary. They moved to Oklahoma City, OK where Tom was employed by Western Electric until his Air Force Reserve Unit was activated during the Korean War. After serving eighteen months he attended Murray State College in Tishomingo, OK and then transferred to Oklahoma State University where he graduated in 1956 with a degree in Vocational Agriculture. In 1962 he also completed a Master’s Degree there. Tom taught Vo-Ag at Panama High School, Panama, OK for 18 years. He was admired and respected by his students because he inspired them to reach beyond their expectations. Because of his leadership skills with students and programs, he was selected to become the superintendent at PHS in 1977. He also served as superintendent in Arkoma, OK and Barnsdall, OK. Tom retired in 1989 to Okmulgee, OK where he enjoyed traveling, gardening, golfing and playing with his grandchildren. Tom was a devoted Christian and a deacon of the First Baptist Church in Okmulgee. He lived what he believed and devoted his life to improving the lives of others. Tom is survived by his wife Lura of the home, four children; Paula Bailey of Edmond, OK; Tommy Wayne Wilson and his wife Loretta of Broken Bow, OK; Susan Miller of Broken Arrow, OK; Greg Wilson and his wife Lori of Poteau, OK; seven grandchildren: Crystal, Pam, Angela, Brock, Beth, Kyle and Dylan; six great-grandchildren; two sisters: Jane Case of Paden, OK and Billie Orr or Welty, OK and many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be the three grandsons: Brock and Kyle Wilson and Dylan Miller and the four grandsons-in-law Brandon Lindly, Joe Hunt, Robert Walker and William Todd. Visitation will be on Friday, July 6, 2012 beginning at 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm with the family being present at the funeral home 5:00 until 6:00. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 7, 2012 at the First Baptist Church in Okmulgee with Dr. Dennis Taylor officiating. The interment will be in the Oakdale Cemetery in Paden, Oklahoma at 2:00 pm. The family suggests memorial gifts in Mr. Wilson’s name be sent to Barbara Hill, Treasurer, Retired Okmulgee County School Employees Scholarship fund at 23160 Nightshade Ave., Henryetta, OK 74437. Condolences may be made at www.mcclendon-winters.com.

Tommy "Tom" Wilson, Jr.

March 28, 1926 - July 4, 2012