Willie Wilson

Willie Wilson, age 72, won his race, crossed the finish line and went to his eternal home on February 14, 2025, in Gautier, MS. He was born February 23, 1952, to the late Riley and Ruby Wilson in Biloxi, MS.

Willie was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Melissa Dawn McLean; much loved son-in-law, Robert D. ‘Bob’ McLean, IV; loving sisters, Ruby Ann Wilson, Lanell Bridges and Peggie Wilson; his brother Homer Wilson and close friends Danny Jones and Roscoe Lane.

Willie is survived by his daughters Ann Beeker, Debbie (Jeff) Wiggins and Marisa Jan (Ernie) LeBatard and bonus son David Gollott, Jr. ,(Robyn).  He will be forever cherished and remembered as 'Paw Paw' by his grandchildren Hunter (Haley) Wiggins, Bailey McLean, Jordan (Mark) Warden, Meredith LeBatard, Lilly LeBatard, Anthony Taylor, Summer Taylor and Katie Johnson. He will be sorely missed by his siblings Kenneth Wilson, J.C. Wilson, Mary ‘Frankie’ (Robert) Albair, Henry Wilson, Sr, Roosevelt Wilson, Johnny Wilson, Elva Redwine, Rose (Tony) Hester, Riley (Kimberly) Wilson, Jr, and Daniel Wilson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; especially the best friends a man could have in Gil (Ruth) Buchanan, John (Karen) Korn, Sr and Gary Noble.

Willie was a paper boy with the Daily Herald in Biloxi in his early teens. At the age of 14, he became employed by Theodore ‘Jr’ Girouard at AAA Fence Company and was there for 3 years. He then worked a couple of years with his future father-in-law, Doug Stevenson, at Melvin Supply Company in Biloxi. After a brief stint with AAA again, his journey toward becoming an electrician started by working with Charlie Creel. Then in 1972, he began working with Earl Evans of Evans Electric in Ocean Springs. They eventually traveled, wiring 7-Eleven Convenience Stores from Louisiana across to Florida. Willie ventured out on his own in 1977, and at the age of 25 he established Wilson Electric Company. Willie was known for his honesty, professionalism and work ethic. Because of his meticulous nature and attention to detail, he was highly regarded and in great demand. He retired Wilson Electric after 36 years in business, but continued to do odd jobs or travel to work with his brother Riley when his health would allow him.

Willie was a Mason and a Shriner in Biloxi. After Hurricane Katrina, he donated his time by doing the electrical work for a couple of St. Jude homes. He was a family man, with a sly sense of humor and was extremely close to his siblings. He loved the Lord, his bible, his daughters, his grandchildren and his guns. He had strong values, was well liked and was graciously generous with others. He enjoyed fishing, was an AVID hunter but found the most joy in preparing meals for chaotic family gatherings or church events. He especially loved fellowship, hearing the Word of God and praise and worship services. He was a Godly man and a proud Christian. We have no doubt he’s walking and talking with God, Jesus, Missy and other beloved family and friends up in Heaven!

The family would like to thank River Chase Village Rehabilitation and Care Center for the kindness and care they provided for Willie during his stay there. We’d also like to thank Notre Dame Hospice of MS for their compassion and empathy during his final days here on earth.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm, with a Celebration of Life to follow on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 3:00 pm, at Riemann Family Funeral Home 13872 Lemoyne Blvd. West Jackson County Biloxi, MS 39532.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that to honor him, please donate to his favorite charity that he supported for decades, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. www.stjude.org