Edward Leon Wilson's Obituary
Edward Leon Wilson, 88, of Garland, Texas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his beloved family and pastors, on July 10, 2025.
Born on October 13, 1936, in his grandparents’ home in Cotton County, Oklahoma, Edward was raised on his family’s farm. As a child, his Uncle Ruben would pick him up and take him to a Baptist church in Hulen, Oklahoma, where Edward’s faith began to take root. He grew up close to his cousins Bobby Chiddix and Joann Wilson-Fields, who were more like siblings. Edward was eight years older than his brother and lifelong best friend, Charley John.
Edward’s faith and trust in his Savior, Jesus Christ, remained the foundation of his life.
Edward was blessed to marry the love of his life, Nancy (Roby) Wilson, sharing over 66 years together. They met in the produce aisle of a grocery store in Garland, Texas, in June 1958, and their love story blossomed from there.
A devoted family man, Edward was a loving husband, patient father, and proud grandfather. He was a faithful son and brother, known for his kindness, patience, and gentle spirit. He never spoke a harsh word and was always a wonderful listener. In his final four months, he found great joy as a great-grandfather. Most important to him was his faith and trust in Jesus, and leading his family in that faith.
Edward loved to read and was an avid learner. He had a God-given ability to focus and concentrate in any circumstance. While attending his final semester at UT-Dallas, he was enrolled in 18 credit hours and worked full-time to support his wife and two young children.
Edward dedicated over 34 years of service to the City of Garland, retiring as the Director of Internal Audit in 1995.
A true outdoorsman, Edward enjoyed fishing, deer and elk hunting, and took countless hunting trips to New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming with his dad, brother, nephew, and close friends. Even in retirement, he cherished long days spent playing golf with friends.
Edward was also a skilled craftsman who could repair, restore, and fix just about anything. He especially enjoyed his workshop as a skilled wood craftsman and took pleasure in building mantle clocks and cabinets for family and friends.
Edward Leon Wilson was preceded in death by his cousin, Bobby Chiddix; father, Forrest Leon Wilson; his mother, Ida Irene Wilson; and his brother and best friend, Charley John Wilson.
He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Wilson; cousin and lifelong friend, Joann Wilson-Fields; son, Kyle Wilson (Susan); daughter, Kimberly Nieman; grandsons, Gregory Nieman (Hannah) and Tyler Wilson; and great-grandson, Levi James Nieman.
Edward’s memory will live on in the lives of those he loved, inspired, and led by example. His legacy of faith, kindness, and devotion to family will be cherished forever.
Edward's viewing will be at Restland in Dallas on Wednesday, July 16. The viewing will be open to the public from 5-7pm. His funeral is Thursday, July 17, at 1:00 pm at First at Firewheel in Garland, with a graveside service at Restland immediately after.
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