John Carr Wilson

John Carr Wilson, 94, completed his earthly journey on May 17, 2014 and went home to be with his Lord. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his family. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Tyler with the Rev. Pamela Leach officiating. Immediately following the service, a reception will be held in Fellowship Hall to greet the family. Arrangements are with Stewart Family Funeral Home. John was born in Boydell, Arkansas, on December 19, 1919, to the late Charlotte Bulloch and John Carr Wilson. He grew up in southern Arkansas and graduated from Kilgore Junior College. He moved to El Dorado, Arkansas in 1946 where he met the love of his life, Ruth Murphy, on a blind date. They were married on June 5, 1947 and were proud to have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in 2012. John served in the Army Medical Corps in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was stationed in field hospitals in the Philippine Islands, New Guinea, Guadalcanal, New Georgia and Japan. He was proud of his service to his country and was honored to be part of the first Brookshire's WWII Heroes Flight to Washington, D.C. in May, 2010. After the war, John worked for Lion Oil Corporation in El Dorado and then started a career of over 35 years in the family furniture business. His career began in El Dorado at McWilliams Furniture and Hardware Store where he quickly advanced to manager. John became a partner with Allen and Bill Murphy in Broadway Furniture and other Murphy Furniture stores in east Texas. In 1979, the Wilson family moved to Longview where John was manager/owner of Murphy Manor Furniture. John was a longtime member of Presbyterian Churches in El Dorado, Longview and Tyler. He gave of his time and talents by serving as Sunday School Superintendent and elder and was passionate about Educational Mission work. In 2003, Ruth and John moved to Tyler to be near their family. He quickly became part of the community through his involvement in church, bridge, and dominoes. Preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Evelyn Murphy Wilson, John is survived by his children, Ginny Mattox of Tyler, Melissa Paschold and husband Larry of Carlock, IL, John Carr Wilson III and wife Debra Leff of Austin and Susan Davis and husband Robert of Tyler. He leaves a wonderful legacy to his 10 grandchildren, Charlie (Mandy) Mattox, Elizabeth Murphy, Will (Margaret) Mattox, Macon Carrington, Bryce Paschold, Jake Leff-Wilson, Allison Paschold, Neil Leff -Wilson, Casey and Courtney Davis, three great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. John will be greatly missed by his family and many friends who were the beneficiaries of his wonderful sense of humor, generosity and kind spirit. Whether he was known as Dad, Uncle John, Papa or John, he endeared himself with his stories and love of life. He was completely devoted to his family and was proud of their accomplishments. Passionate about education, he felt that all children should have access to one. John nurtured friendships of three generations, young and old, who loved him. Special thanks go to Hospice of East Texas, Maria Leyva and her family and his loving caregivers. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gifts for Haiti Fund, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, 4110 Sinclair, Austin, Texas 78756, First Presbyterian Church, 230 West Rusk, Tyler, 75701, or Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, 75701.

John Carr Wilson

December 19, 1919 - May 17, 2014