Claude Raymond Wilson Jr.

Claude Raymond Wilson, Jr. died on Saturday, February 17, 2024, five days before his 91st birthday. Claude was born February 22, 1933 to Claude Raymond Wilson, Sr. and Lottie Watts Wilson in Dallas, Texas. He was a sixth generation Texan, a member of both the Sons of the Republic of Texas and the Sons of the American Revolution, and was an Eagle Scout.

Claude graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas. He received his B.B.A. in 1954, his Juris Doctor in 1956 and a L.L.M. in Taxation in 1958, all from Southern Methodist University. He earned his Certified Public Accountant license in 1965.

Claude was a man of few words, but service to his family, to his profession, and to his community spoke volumes about his character, integrity, commitment, and compassion.

Claude was recognized as one of the top tax authorities in the United States and around the world. He handled tax matters in nearly every state, the District of Columbia, and many foreign countries including China, Japan, England, France, Germany, and Thailand. He served five years at the Internal Revenue Service, and in 1963 was appointed Senior Trial Attorney in the Office of Chief Council by Attorney General Robert Kennedy. While at the IRS, he tried the test tax case against the Communist Party of the United States, and later, through the American Bar Association, was a delegate to the Ministry of Finance for the People's Republic of China. During his tenure at the IRS, Claude never settled or lost a case. He also served as partner at several Dallas law firms, retiring from Gray Reed & McGraw I-LP where he specialized in Tax Planning, Tax Litigation, and Administrative Practice before the IRS.

Claude was a respected leader in both the CPA and legal professions. Over his six decade career, Claude tirelessly served on more than 100 committees of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Texas Society of CPAs and the Dallas Chapter of the Texas Society of CPAs, as well as serving as President of both the TSCPA and the Dallas Chapter and as a longstanding member of their boards and executive committees. He was also a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Texas, and the Dallas Bar Association where he served on and chaired several committees at the national, state, and local levels.

Claude was an ardent supporter of SMU, a member of the boards of directors of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society, St. Philip's School and Community Center, and the Dallas Historical Society, of which he served as Chairman. He served on the City of University Park finance committee and as a trustee of the Saint Michael and All Angels Foundation.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Emilynn Berry Wilson; sister, Loretta Wilson Donnell; children, Deidra Wilson Hubenak and husband Mark, Melissa Woodard Utley and husband Steve, Michele Woodard Dunn and husband Gerald; grandchildren, Caitlin Frazier, Keith Graves, Casandra Graves, Jake Utley and wife Kate, Luke Utley, Abbey Utley, Connor Dunn and Patrick Dunn; great-grandchildren, Hayes Utley and Walker Utley; nephew, Brad Donnell and wife Vicky; and niece, Lori Donnell Massey; cousins, Ben Cervin and wife Barbara, Margaret Cervin, Carole Anne Cervin Axley and husband Chris, and William Bennett Cervin and wife Kristyn; sister-in-law, Lynn Berry Halford and husband Dennis; cousin: Hillary Halford Watson and husband Ryan.

The family wishes to thank the staff at both Belmont Village and Gentiva Hospice for the generous care and compassion they showed Claude and our family in his final months.

A memorial service will be held Friday, March 1 at 2:00 p.m. at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 8011 Douglas Avenue. Memorial gifts can be made to the Women's Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society, The Saint Michael and All Angels Building Our Future Campaign, or to a charity of your choice.