William Austin Wilkerson

William Austin Wilkerson was born in Leachville, Arkansas on February 19, 1926, to parents Rufus and Willa Guiltner Wilkerson. In 1936, his family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Following his graduation from Daniel Webster High School, Austin attended Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. After his college graduation Austin became an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God.

He began his ministry by holding revivals in the Oklahoma area. His first pastorate was in Welch, Oklahoma followed by Fairland, Oklahoma. In 1951, Austin held a revival at Central Assembly of God Church in Houston, Texas and shortly thereafter he made Houston his home and became their pastor.

Raymond T. Richey approached Austin about merging Evangelistic Temple and Central Assembly of God. In 1966, this merger created phenomenal growth and Evangelistic Temple became a very well-known church.

Austin had a big heart and a great love for God and spreading His word. He traveled on mission trips and preached in over sixty countries. After receiving his pilot’s license, Austin enjoyed flying his personal airplane, including into Central America where he held revivals in various countries. He also established the first evangelical seminary in St. Petersburg, Russia which is still in existence today.

Austin enjoyed music and loved to play the trumpet. During the music portion of the worship service, you would often see him playing his trumpet.

Austin was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus and Willa, his first wife Millye, his daughter Caryl, and his brothers Houston, Phil and Ralph.

Austin is survived by his wife Faye Poldson Wilkerson, daughter Beth Wilkerson Pecorino (Vic), his only grandson Ryan Lawson (Tiffany), two great grandchildren, Lillian and Wyatt, sister Donna Wilkerson Jordan (Gary), sister-in-law's, Betty Wilkerson and Colleen Wilkerson, along with numerous nieces and nephews and Faye’s children and grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at New Life Church, 4032 Northpark Dr, Kingwood, TX on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 10:00AM. A private family burial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking that contributions be made to the Convoy of Hope in Austin’s memory. This organization helped Austin and Faye after Hurricane Harvey destroyed their home in 2017. Donations can be made by check to New Life Church with a designation to Convoy of Hope in memory of Austin Wilkerson.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brooksidefuneralhomelauder.com for the Wilkerson family.