Larry Wilson

Larry James Wilson, 82, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2024 in Abilene, TX.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 15, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. in the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, Texas. A graveside service will immediately follow at 11:00 A.M. in Elmwood Memorial Park, Garden of Prayer.

Larry was born on August 24, 1941 in Abilene, TX to Clyde Eugene Wilson and Jewel Jean Wilson. The youngest of four siblings, Larry attended both North Park Baptist Church and Calvary Baptist Church throughout his life. A life-long resident of Abilene, he attended AISD schools, graduating in 1959. He married his childhood sweetheart, Anna Carolyn Thomas on October 18, 1958. For the next 61 years, Larry and Carolyn remained committed to one another until Carolyn's passing in April 2020.

Larry was a dedicated and hard-working man. He spent a large portion of his career working for Thomas & Billips, Thomas & Duffield, and Thomas & Saxon Drilling. After a successful career in the drilling industry, he transitioned to working for National Life Insurance, Abilene Reporter News, and Swift Inc. Larry finished his working career by spending almost 40 years employed by Coca-Cola until his retirement in December of 2005.

Larry enjoyed watching all sports, especially ones that involved his son and granddaughter. From little league to Hardin-Simmons, Larry loved coaching and supporting his son, Gregg, throughout his sports career. A dedicated Clyde Bulldog Booster, Larry loved following his granddaughter, Emily, in all her activities. An avid golfer in his later years, he spent many days at Shady Oaks Golf Course and cherished the friendships he made there. Throughout his life, Larry was a member of the Abilene Bowling Association, played co-ed softball and always enjoyed a good game of cards. Larry loved to listen, play and sing country music on his Martin Guitar. His deep singing voice had a soothing presence that will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Larry is survived by his devoted son, Gregg and daughter-in-law Barbara of Abilene, TX; granddaughter Emily Wilson, also of Abilene, TX; brother-in-laws, Frank Batson, CV Currie, and JD (Vicki) Thomas; sister-in-laws, Kathy Thomas and Mickie Wilson; nieces, Debbie Daniel, Tammy Trevino, Beverly (Brian) Cokonaugher, Rhonda (Kyle) Sweeney, Sarah (Mike) McManners, and Angela (Mike) Wallace; nephews, Jay Thomas, Keith Currie, Joseph (Katy) Williamson, and Phillip (Shannon) Williamson and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Larry is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Anna Carolyn Wilson; his parents Clyde and Jewel Wilson; sisters Darlene Batson and Dana Currie; brother Eugene Wilson; sister-in-law, Deen Williamson; niece Kathy Carroll; and nephew Tony Daniel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to North Park Baptist Church, 1525 Anson Ave, Abilene, TX 79601 (npbcabilene.org).