Donald Wilson

Donald Ray Wilson, age 83, of El Dorado, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at his home surrounded by family. He was born on May 4, 1940, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Cecil and Ruby (Shaver) Wilson. He was raised by his parents in Pocahontas, Arkansas, along with his brother and sister. As a child, he would ride in a horse-drawn wagon with his grandparents to many gospel meetings and would listen to his grandpa preach the word of God. He was baptized as a teenager in the Blue Hole at Mud Creek in Randolph County. Don graduated from Pocahontas High School in 1958. During his school career, he could be seen on any sports field or court playing basketball, football, or track. He had many friends in school and was nominated Mr. PHS during his senior year.

After graduation, he went to Harding College in Searcy where he was a proud member of Sub T-16 social club. He received his watchmaking degree from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. He worked in several locations in Missouri and Arkansas in the jewelry business – eventually purchasing his father’s jewelry store to continue the legacy of Wilson’s Jewelry. He owned and operated the jewelry store from 1978 until his retirement in 2002. As a jeweler and watchmaker, his skilled hands crafted treasures that became cherished heirlooms for many.

Don served as a Justice of the Peace for Randolph County for many years. He performed over one thousand wedding ceremonies as a JP, but his favorites were officiating the weddings of his three girls.

Don found joy in his family. Many summers were spent at Lake Norfork camping with friends and family. His patience was evident in the many hours he spent driving the boat letting others ski and tube. Don found enjoyment driving to Jonesboro to play tennis in a weekly group for many years. Once his playing days were over, he found delight watching his children and grandchildren play sports as well as cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and Arkansas Razorbacks.

Above all, Don was a man of deep faith. As a faithful servant of God, his life exemplified hope, a love for others, compassion and kindness. He served the congregation at WestRidge as a Deacon and Elder. His favorite bible verse was 1 Peter 2:9 and he made many teenagers memorize it when he taught their bible class. Don loved to sing. He led singing at church and sang in the Wilson quartet. Many holidays were spent circled up singing favorite hymns. Praising God drew him close to the heart of the Father. His life was a living testament to the boundless grace and mercy of our Lord.

As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life well lived. Preceding him in death are his parents, his daughter Shanna Rae, brother Mike Wilson and grandson Jacob William Baker. For over 51 years, Don shared a home with the love of his life, his wife, Becky. Other survivors include Suzanne Hawkins (Joe) of Pocahontas, Cara Jobe (Kent) of Searcy, Julie Baker (Jason) of Little Rock; sister, Sheila Glisson of Paragould; along with grandchildren: Moye Hawkins (Crystal), Jody Hawkins, Hailey Jacoby (Bronson), Derek Jobe (Gracie), Austin Jobe, Brylee Jobe, Jarett Baker, Joshua Baker, Jaylee Baker and Joy Baker.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 15, 2024, at WestRidge Church of Christ in Pocahontas. Don will be laid to rest in the Palestine Cemetery in a private family gathering.

The family requests memorial gifts be made to, Children’s Homes, Inc., 5515 Walcott Road, Paragould, AR 72450.

Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Wilson Family.