Deacon Earl Wilson, Jr.

Throughout his life, he worked as a farmer, carpenter, and contractor — known for his skill, reliability, and strong hands that helped build both structures and stability for those around him.

For more than 65 years, he served as a Deacon and Head Deacon for Bayou Meto and the First Missionary Baptist Church of Humphrey.

He spent more than 40 years working at Circle T Duck Club, where he was deeply respected by all who worked alongside him. He shared numerous stories of his journey at the “Duck Club” that sparked both interest and curiosity — his favorite was his little friend, Austin Smith, following him around.

He adopted his longtime colleague and friend C.S. Frazier’s saying, “I’m doing good — like a young fella should,” and responded with it almost daily until his memory could no longer hold it.

Deacon Wilson led the renovation of the First Missionary Baptist Church of Humphrey and built and remodeled several properties throughout the communities of Humphrey and Stuttgart.

He was a man of many stories — stories of the land, of hard work, of family, and of the generations who came before him. He cherished time spent with close friends including Bobby Ables, Ann Hatch, Dora Driver, and his old buddy C.S. Frazier (deceased), who shared in his memories and moments throughout the years.

Even as his health declined in later years, his life remained a testament to endurance. His journey reflected both the strength and the challenges of aging with Dementia, yet through it all, he remained anchored in the legacy he helped preserve.

On November 18, 1948, he was united in marriage to Enola McNeal, who preceded him in death on September 21, 2013. Their union was blessed with thirteen children.

Married for nearly 65 years, their devotion to one another was the foundation upon which their family was built.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Wilson, Sr. and Willie Thompson-Wilson; his sister, Gracie Smith; his beloved wife, Enola McNeal Wilson; and four of his cherished children — James Wilson, Michael Wilson, Burnestine Starks, and Sharon Oates.