Billy Joe Wilson

Billy Joe Wilson, age 88 of Purcell, passed away Thursday, December 13, 2018. Born June 6, 1930 in Bristow, OK, he was the 3rd of 4 children born to Almon Manning Wilson and Addie Octavia (Jenkins) Wilson. He spent his early childhood in Southeastern Oklahoma, and like many during this time, he worked to help his family. Alongside his dad, they worked as sharecroppers and really whatever they could find. After a short time in California, Joe returned to Oklahoma, and by age 17, he joined the Navy. Joe was a true patriot, and served his country proudly during the Korean War. Upon returning to Oklahoma, he found work in the Purcell area. It was here that he met his life partner and his true love, Miss Leta Mae "Tiny" Bebout, and his life was changed forever. Joe and Tiny followed their hearts and were married July 23, 1954 in Purcell. They made their home in Purcell where together they raised their 3 boys, Michael, Larry and Alan. Joe worked as an aircraft electrician at Tinker, and retired after more than 25 years of dedicated service. He then worked a few years alongside his son Larry, driving tractors and working cattle. He was a master mechanic, who enjoyed tinkering on things, and he could fix anything from a washing machine to a car. He enjoyed tending to his garden and was proud to able to feed his family throughout the years. Joe greatly enjoyed fishing and looked forward to a good day fishing with his buddies, Gene Mayo and Fred Wiley. He was a quiet and unassuming man; never complicated and enjoyed every day. He was a man of great faith and a member of the New Mission Holiness Church. Joe cherished Tiny and his boys, and the family they created. He will be dearly missed! He was preceded in death by: His parents, Almon and Addie Wilson; Brother, Almon Wilson Jr and Sister, Venice Martindale. Joe leaves behind: His precious wife, Tiny Wilson of the home; His boys, Mike Wilson and wife Cindy of Purcell, Larry Wilson of Runaway Bay, TX and Alan Wilson and wife Diane of Maysville; Sister, Shela Wallace of Las Vegas, NV; Sister-in-law, Alene Wilson of OKC; 7 grandchildren, Dustin Wilson, Natalie Still and husband Adam, Kyla Wilson, Kerri Wilson, Lauren Stufflebean and husband Matt, Brent Wilson and wife Jessica and Racheal Chapman and Husband Sill; 12 great grandchildren, Isabella, Allison, Jonah, Ella, Connor, Adeline, Veronica, Lillian, Hudson, Harper, Sophia and Stella; And a host of other family and friends. Funeral Services are scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Monday, December 17, 2018, at the First Baptist Church in Purcell. Burial will follow at the Hillside Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3:00-5:00 P.M. Sunday at Wilson-Little Funeral Home.

Billy Joe Wilson

June 6, 1930 - December 13, 2018