John Milton Wilson

Wilson was born in Morrilton, Arkansas where he was a standout football player for the Devil Dog football team – a mascot his father named for the high school. In his youth, Wilson was also a summer lifeguard at Petit Jean State Park, where he once survived a 50-foot fall while free climbing.

After graduating from Ouachita Baptist University in 1965, Wilson moved to Fort Smith, AR and took a sales position with Arkhola Sand & Gravel. He then voluntarily joined the United States Marine Corps and served as a lieutenant in the Vietnam War with the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment of the 1st Marine Division from 1967-68. He was honorably discharged as a captain in 1969. Wilson was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V for valor, the Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnamese Service Medal with two stars and the Vietnamese Campaign Medal with device.

Returning to Fort Smith after serving his country, Wilson worked for Arkhola until 2005, retiring as vice-president of sales. He also served as the President of the Manufacturing Executives Association, President of the Noon Kiwanis Club, and was a member of both the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce and Associated Builders and Contractors of Arkansas and Oklahoma.

Wilson loved to hunt, play golf, travel and meet new people. “Grandpapa” also liked to spend time outdoors with his six grandchildren, and he was their biggest supporter at every event in which they participated.

He leaves his daughter, Janae Campbell and husband Al of Fort Smith; son David Wilson and wife Kristi of San Diego, CA; and daughter Rebecca Dickens and husband Josh of Van Buren, AR. Six grandchildren: Carly and Matthew Campbell; Rachel, Lauren and Sara Wilson; and Zoe Dickens. One brother: Tom Wilson and wife Jan of Columbus, GA and their four children.

His parents, B. Jack and Jane Wilson of Morrilton, AR preceded him in death.

The memorial service will be 4:00 PM Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014, at Community Bible Church, 9201 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, AR with visitation immediately following. Services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Tommy Cox, Paul Fiser, Paul Glover, Ken Legan, David Smith and Mickey Welch.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the John Wilson and B. Jack & Jane Wilson Endowment, University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, c/o Lynn Nancarrow, PO Box 3649, Fort Smith, AR 72913 (online at uafsfoundation.org), or other preferred charity.