He was born April 7, 1940, and was known by many as Leroy, fondly called “Peege” by his parents and siblings, “husband” by his wife, Shirley, “Dad” by his children and “Papa” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Leroy was born to Lonnie and Katherine Wilson in Lexington, Kentucky. He was one of three siblings. His brother, Lonnie Jr, 14 years older, and his sister Lurlene, 12 years older, truly adored their brother.

He attended Lafayette High School of Lexington, Kentucky, graduating with the class of 1958. After graduation, Leroy pursued his lifelong dream of playing professional baseball by attending the Cincinnati Reds baseball camp in Tampa, Florida. Embracing his love for the game, he left nothing on the field but fell short of reaching his goal.

After traveling back to Lexington, he continued wooing the love of his life, Shirley Ann Eades, earning her affection by playing his guitar and singing Buddy Holly songs. After a short engagement, Leroy and Shirley would marry June 17, 1959.

In October of 1959, he nearly lost his life exploring Jones Cave, nearly missing out on his four wonderful children, Jeffrey, Tracey, Patrick, and Leroy Jr.

In 1962, Leroy began employment with IBM, humorously known amongst colleagues as the acronym for “I’ve Been Moved.” He was given an opportunity in 1970 to relocate. After much prayer, he moved his entire family to Austin. In 1975, Leroy was selected by IBM, to participate in a two-year educational program at St. Edwards University, where he earned an associate degree in business administration.

Upon completion of his degree, Leroy was able to redirect his focus back to his love of music. Together with his wife and four children, they became known as “The Wilson Family,” enjoying over a decade of praising God across America, which culminated in an album that was produced in Nashville, Tennessee. Two of the songs, “Since I Met Jesus” and “America We Love Ya”, were written by Leroy.

Leroy enjoyed telling a good joke, reading the paper, painting, writing poetry, singing, playing the guitar, baseball, fishing, golf and traveling. He loved Jesus and his family.

Since meeting Jesus at 11 years old, Leroy has shown God’s love in his lifelong Christian walk. In 1993, God called Leroy into the pastoral ministry where he shepherded the Cedar Valley Baptist Church and Granite Shoals Baptist Church. Leroy, along with his wife Shirley, were instrumental in planting the Cedar Valley and Elgin New Life churches. As a minister, he officiated the marriages of his grandson Stephen, granddaughters Melissa, Leann and Annalise. He would also travel to Ohio, to take part in the wedding ceremony of his granddaughter, Rachel. He also baptized his grandson, Stephen, granddaughter, Melissa and niece Jane.

Waiting to embrace him in Heaven is his beloved wife of 64 years of marriage, Shirley, along with his parents, brother, sister and grandson, William.

God blessed Leroy and his wife Shirley with four children, Jeffrey and wife Lisa, Tracey and husband David Cliff, Patrick and wife Pamila, and Leroy Jr. They proudly called him “Dad.” He was known as “Papa” to his 14 grandchildren, Stephen and wife Nicole, Melissa and husband Allen, Leann and husband Caleb, Rachel and husband Brian, Tyler and wife Kimberly, Adam, Annalise and husband Ben, Alec and Fiancé Alaina, Patrick and wife Lexx, Anson, Benjamin, Jessica, Stone and proceeded in death by William. Along with all his grandchildren, he also has 14 great-grandchildren and is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, loving inlaws, extended family and dear friends.

We are heartened by the knowledge he is walking the streets of gold. He exemplified the fruits of the spirit showing Christ’s love to all who knew him.

He will lie in-state from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 25, at Elgin Funeral Home.

Family and friends will gather for visitation from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday, April 26, at New Life Baptist Church Fellowship. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. with Pastor Jeff Wilson presiding.

Interment will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Services will be recorded an available on www. newlifebf.org by end of day Friday.

Memorial Contributions can be made in Leroy’s Memory to Elgin New Life Fellowship, P.O. Box 838, Elgin, Texas 78621, www. newlifebf.org