Jerry Lee Wilson

Services for Jerry Lee Wilson, 84, of Ardmore, are scheduled for 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the Alexander Gray Funeral Home Chapel in Wilson. Interment will follow at Hewitt Cemetery.

Jerry was born July 21, 1941, at Rexroat, to the late Mr. Walter Lee Wilson and Mrs. Pearlene M. (Sears) Wilson. He departed this life Friday, March 13, 2026, at Ardmore, Ok.

Jerry was raised in the Rexroat area, where he attended school and faithfully participated in the Rexroat Baptist Church throughout his adolescent years. Upon graduating from high school, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served as an Ordinance Technician with the Strategic Air Command based out of Spokane, Washington. His time in the military reflected his dedication and commitment to his country, traits that defined much of his life. After receiving an honorable discharge, Jerry returned to make his home in the Wilson area, embracing a strong work ethic that led him through a variety of professions. Over the years, he worked for several trucking companies, contributed to numerous construction projects including highways and interstates such as I-35, and even expanded his skills internationally as a consultant in Ethiopia’s oil and gas industry. Under the advisement of the President of Ethiopia, Jerry made the thoughtful decision to return home, displaying his respect for wise counsel and the deep ties he maintained to his roots. Jerry’s entrepreneurial spirit shone when he owned a barbeque restaurant, proudly serving his family’s secret BBQ recipe to the delight of his community. Later, he found his niche in hydraulic repair, where his remarkable mechanical abilities flourished. Known for being able to fix anything with a motor, Jerry’s excellent memory and kindness made him a reliable and treasured figure among friends and colleagues alike. It was often remarked that he knew everyone’s phone numbers by heart, as well as the numbers for every parts store in the area. His culinary talents extended beyond his restaurant; Jerry was a passionate contributor to the annual Ardmore Thanksgiving Dinner and was especially renowned for baking the best cakes, which were enjoyed and remembered fondly by many. His involvement in the Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge offered him community connections where his wonderful storytelling and adventurous spirit were celebrated. Jerry's famous one liner, "Smoke um if you got um fellas!"

Preceding him in death are his parents, Walter and Pearlene Wilson; sister, Shirley Joyce Wilson who passed in 1964; granddaughters, Holly Kessler and Avery Fears; and a nephew, Robert McDaniel.

Survivors include his children, Larry Wilson of Ardmore, Erik Wilson of Joplin, Missouri, Amanda Collins and husband Thomas of Joplin, Missouri, Chris Wilson of Carthage, Missouri, Robert Taylor of Joplin, Missouri, Billy McDowell of Florida, Debbie McDowell of Kennewick, Washington, Ricky Brehm of Kansas City, Missouri, and Jamie Hendrix of Georgia; sister, Sandra Webb of Davis; grandchildren, Monty Kessler, Abbrah Renfro, Nicholas Wilson, Dakota Fears, Lane Fears, Colton Collins, Tanner Collins, Brantley Collins, and Maddison Collins; great grandchildren, Adalie, Jace, Mavis, Zayna, Jarrah, and Blair Marie; special nurses, Hannah, Liberty, and Ashlynn at the Veterans Center in Ardmore; numerous other family and many friends.

Pallbearers will be Jerry’s grandsons.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.alexandergrayfh.com.