Billy Jack Wilson, a lifelong farmer, rancher, and cherished community member, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Arlington, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. Born on February 3, 1940, in Coleman County, Texas, Billy Jack farmed and ranched all his life raising wheat, sorghum, cotton, and sheep. When not working on the farm he loved going dove and deer hunting and later in life discovered the Cowboy Channel and followed all the competitors on the rodeo circuit.
Billy Jack graduated from Mozelle High School in 1958, marking the beginning of a lifetime filled with hard work and commitment to his family and community. He married his beloved wife, Carolyn Simonton, on January 7, 1961, in Fisk. Together, they raised a family that brought him immense pride and joy. Billy Jack is survived by his two daughters, Elaine Wilson and Deann Wilson, and his son, Ed Wilson, who is married to Jennifer. He also leaves behind two grandsons, Chandler Wilson and Blake Wilson, who is married to Alexis.
A kind and honest man, Billy Jack was known for his willingness to lend a helping hand to friends and neighbors. He served multiple years as a board member for both Mozelle ISD and Panther Creek CISD. He was a devoted member and deacon of Valera Baptist Church, where he found purpose in serving others and nurturing his faith.
Billy Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Wilson and Margaret Elizabeth Wilson, and his loving wife, Carolyn Simonton Wilson, and his two siblings, June Finlay and Dewey Ernest Wilson.
The family will host a visitation from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm Friday, April 11, 2025, at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel, 400 W. Pecan Street, in Coleman. Family and friends are invited to a funeral service celebrating his life at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Valera Baptist Church, 560 Lipscomb Street, in Valera with Rev. Ralph Howell officiating and Mark Smith assisting. Interment will follow in the Hill Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman.
The family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made in memory of Billy Jack to Valera Baptist Church, P.O. Box 75, Valera, Texas 76884.
We invite you to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Wilson family by signing the guestbook on Billy Jack’s tribute page at www.stevensfuneralhome.com. Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the Wilson family.