Deacon Earl Wilson, Jr.

The story of his grandfather, John Wesley Thompson — “Earl Wilson Jr. and the Legacy of Freedom: The Journey of John Wesley Thompson’s Land — 136 Years of a Black-Owned Farm in Arkansas” — can be purchased on Amazon.

At an early age, Earl developed a strong work ethic, beginning labor as a young boy and continuing throughout his life. He attended school through the eleventh grade before stepping away to work and help support his family. Earl’s life was marked by resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to responsibility.

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.

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

Throughout his life, Earl 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. He also spent more than 40 years working at Circle T Duck Club, where he was respected and appreciated by those he worked alongside. Earl 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 quote, “I’m doing good — like a young fella should,” and would respond with that quote almost daily until his brain would no longer allow him to remember it.

Deacon Wilson led the renovation of the First Missionary Baptist Church of Humphrey and also built and remodeled several properties within 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, Earl’s 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 27, 2023, during his very first visit to the State Capitol, he was honored by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders for receiving the Century Farm Award. He is quoted as saying, “who was that woman?”

Deacon Wilson’s life represents more than years lived — it reflects over a century of generational legacy tied to land, family, and perseverance. He stood as a bridge between past and present, holding firm to what was built before him and passing it forward.

Though he is no longer present in body, his story continues through the lives he touched and the family he leaves behind. His legacy lives on in the land he would not sell, the work he would not abandon, and the generations who now carry his name forward.

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.