Deacon Earl Wilson, Jr.

Deacon Earl Wilson, Jr., age 96, of Humphrey, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2026, at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas, under the watchful care of his daughter, Dr. Faye Wilson. Within minutes, his daughter, JoLinda Smith and granddaughter, Yalaunda Billingsley joined Dr. Faye at his bedside.

He was born on March 28, 1930, in Humphrey to the late Earl Wilson, Sr. and Willie Thompson-Wilson. He, along with his sole sibling, Gracie Smith (Deceased) was raised on family land rooted in a rich heritage established generations before him, a legacy that remained central to his life and identity. The story of his grandfather - John Wesley Thompson -"Earl Wilson Jr. and the Legacy of Freedom: The Journey of John Wesley Thompson's Land": The 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.

Earl is survived by his children: JoAnn McGregor; Jolinda Smith; Gardenia Graham; (Herbert) James Wilson (deceased); Carolyn Miller (Cornel); Faye Wilson; David Wilson; Micheal Wilson (Deceased); Burnestine Starks (Deceased); Barbara Cornelius (Gary); Sharon Oates (Deceased); Cynthia Wilson; and Kathy Williams (Mansfield Everett).

He is further survived by a devoted nephew, Michael McNeil, along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and great-great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, a very special cousin and friend Rev. Booker T. Wilson, extended family members, and friends.

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. Fraser’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.

In 2023, during his very first visit to the State Capitol, he was honored by Governor Sarah Hucksbee Sanders for receiving the Century Farm Reward. 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.

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The family graciously invites those who feel led to honor the life and legacy of Deacon Earl Wilson Jr. through a memorial gift. Contributions will be dedicated to the ongoing care, preservation, and improvement of Bayou Meto Cemetery—the sacred grounds he served with unwavering faithfulness and quiet devotion. This memorial fund stands as a lasting tribute to his stewardship, ensuring that the place he tended with such commitment will continue to reflect the dignity, respect, and legacy he carried throughout his life.

To give: earlwilsonjr.com/#in-his-memory

(Personal gift to the Wilson family · not tax-deductible)

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