CJ Wilson's Obituary
C J Wilson was born on February 21, 1923 in Baird, Texas and went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 22, 2015 in Waco, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lou and Albro and four siblings Charles, Irene, Eugene, and Mary, and his wife of 66 years, Dorothy. He is survived by his daughter, Ruth Ann Norris, son-in-law, Tom, two grandsons -Brad, and his wife Ashley, and Blake. He also is survived by his loving niece, Barbara Greer and her husband, Mike as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was drafted into the Army on January 4, 1943 and was stationed in England until landing in Normandy D Day plus 6 with the First Army. While serving he received the American Theater Campaign, EAME Campaign Medal with 5 bronze stars, Good Conduct Medal and World War 2 Victory Medal. He was discharged on January 14, 1946. He met the love of his life, Dorothy, a Marine, when he sat by her on a train. They corresponded by mail until their respective discharges. They married on February 18, 1946 and made their home in Dallas. He worked his entire career at Western Electric in Dallas, Texas and retired in 1983. CJ loved the Lord and was the spiritual leader of his home. He served as a deacon in Tremont Baptist Church and Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas and Columbus Ave. Baptist Church in Waco. His spiritual gift was service. He was the chairman of the Home Bound Ministry at Wilshire for many years and loved going to visit the elderly, taking them to appointments, buying groceries, or helping them as needed. He continued serving with this ministry at Columbus Avenue for a few years after moving to Waco. His hobbies included metal detecting and working in his yard and garden. Both Ruth Ann and Barbara learned how to mow straight lines from him! He and Dorothy loved playing 42 and played at least once a week for many years with friends from Wilshire. He was an avid Cowboy fan, until Tom Landry was fired. Then he didn’t care to watch them. In 2011, he moved into St. Elizabeth Assisted Living in Waco. He enjoyed new friendships and the activities including daily exercise class, playing Bingo, and weekly Bible Study. His grandson Brad shared the following: My favorite memory of Papa was spending time with him reliving the highlights of his life. The way he met Mema, fighting the war while writing her, marrying her when he returned and raising Barbara and my mom. The last few years he would always walk over to see Mema several times a day. He was an example of what a man of God looks like and how we are called to love our spouses. Blake’s memory: I remember when Papa would take me metal detecting. We would listen for when he found something and then dig it up. I would wait eagerly to see if it was money or something else. He also took me fishing. He would bait my hook with the worm. I still enjoy fishing because it is so peaceful and brings back good memories of time spent with Papa. In his Bible the following quote was found, ” Finding God is man’s greatest discovery. Doing God’s will is man’s greatest accomplishment.” He was a man of great accomplishment. Graveside services will be held at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas, Texas on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at 1:00 pm with Reverend Larry Davis officiating.
What’s your fondest memory of CJ?
What’s a lesson you learned from CJ?
Share a story where CJ's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with CJ you’ll never forget.
How did CJ make you smile?