Billy Fred Wilson

He was born July 20, 1928, in the Uptonville Community of Mercer, Tennessee, the son of the late Oscar Fred and Emma Byrum Wilson.

Bill graduated from Mercer High School at the remarkable age of 16. Too young at the time to serve his country, he worked alongside his father at the family grocery store in Uptonville. At 17, he proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served honorably and was discharged with the rank of Sergeant.

After his service, Bill attended Spartan School of Aeronautics to study electronics. Recognizing his aptitude, the physicists at his employer, Well Surveys, encouraged him to continue his education at The University of Tulsa where he pursued studies in Engineering Physics. His career led him to Dresser Atlas, where he rose to Director of Research, trained professionals worldwide, and was awarded several patents in his field. Bill spent most of his career in Oklahoma and Texas, retiring in 1987.

Following Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Bill and his beloved wife, Juanita, returned to Tennessee. A man of strong faith, Bill was a longtime member of West University Baptist Church in Houston, where he served as a deacon and assisted faithfully in church finances. After moving to Jackson, he became a member of West Jackson Baptist Church.

Bill married Juanita Umsted, and together they shared 69 years of love, partnership, and devotion. To his family, he was a source of wisdom, humor, and resourcefulness—well known as the one who could fix anything. He rarely allowed anyone to replace something if he believed he could make it work again. His greatest joy, however, came from time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who adored him deeply.

Bill is survived by his wife of 69 years, Juanita Umsted Wilson; three children, David Wilson (Lisa), Susan Wilson Smith (Carl), and Chuck Wilson (Gina); grandchildren, Christopher Wilson (Jennifer), Melanie Wilson Lai (Jonathan), Colby Smith (Kirstie), Weston Smith (Megan), Sarah Garza (Chris), and Jake Wilson (Lexie); great-grandchildren, Griffin Wilson, Russell Wilson, Elliott Smith, Michael Lai, Robin Garza, Charlotte Smith, Sutton Smith, and Morgan Lai; as well as three great-grandchildren soon to arrive, Cadyn James Wilson, Margot Anita Smith, and Baby Smith.

Visitation will be Thursday evening, August 21, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home. A procession to the graveside service will congregate at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons at 10:00 am Friday, August 22, 2025 . The grave-side service will commence at Maple Springs Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. with Bro. Lonnie Sanders officiating.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Maple Springs Baptist Church, West Jackson Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.

Bill will be remembered as a man of faith, integrity, ingenuity, and devotion to his family. His legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the love he shared.