Grover Doyle “Bill” Wilson, a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, passed from this life on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, at the age of 101.
Grover was born on Jan. 13, 1923, in Los Angeles, California to Grover Cleveland Wilson and Vera Frances (Willis) Wilson. He was raised by his mother Vera Wilson in Gentry, Ark. He attended school in Gentry and was an All Star basketball player. After graduation from High School, Grover joined the US Army. During his 17 year career, he would be a member of the elite “Big Red One” during WWII and again in the Korean Conflict. He spent several years behind enemy lines in Germany as part of Counterintelligence, was in the second wave landing on Omaha Beach and helped to liberate the Flossenburg Concentration Camp.
Grover attended Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark. where he played basketball winning many awards and recognitions.
After his army career he went to work for the Federal Bureau of Prisons in El Reno, Okla., Maxwell Air Force Base Montgomery, Ala. and in Terre Haute, Indiana. Grover retired after 20 years of service to the Federal Government.
Always fulfilling his duties with honor.
Waiting to greet Grover is his wife, Helen Elaine (Gibson) Wilson; his parents, Grover and Vera Wilson; two daughters, Ann O’haver and Francela WhiteEagle; one son, Jimmy Derr; and two sisters. Valeda Hendrickson and Bonita McFadin.
Grover is survived by his three daughters, Frances Fewell and husband Mike of Martinsville, Indiana, Anita Blomquist and husband Timothy of Farmington, N.M. and Tanda Yellott and husband Vernon of Ragley; 15 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. with the funeral service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3, at Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home in DeQuincy. Interment to follow at Fountain Cemetery in Starks.
Arrangements are being handled by Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1810 W. Fourth St., DeQuincy.
(Paid Memorial)
