Kenneth Joe Wilson

On May 17, 1962, on a bright, spring day, a beautiful baby boy was born to the late Henderson "Joe" and Dorothy Jean Wilson in Leona, Texas.  The happy couple decided his name would be Kenneth Joe Wilson. He was given several nicknames by his loved ones, which included Kent, Kent Joe, and Bubba.  Kenneth lived all of his life in Leon County and attended Centerville public schools.  During his senior year of high school, he received the Citizenship Award.  In May of 1980, Kenneth graduated from Centerville High School.

Kenneth accepted Christ as his personal Savior at a young age and became a member of Wilson Chapel Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Elder C.D. Evans.  Kenneth's love for Christ was instilled in him by his parents, as well as his grandparents, the late Deacon R.L. and Sister Johnnie Mae Polk.  They loved him, prayed for him, and trained him up in the way he should go.  Growing up, Kenneth attended Wednesday night church service, Saturday night joint meeting, Bible Band, YPWW, revivals, and Wilson Chapel's annual homecoming.  Kenneth was a faithful member and became a deacon in 2010.  He would often conduct Sunday morning testimony services.  In addition, he served as Sunday School Superintendent for twelve years.  Kenneth enjoyed studying the Sunday school lesson, and he had a gift for explaining and teaching the lesson.  He relished in studying the Bible and his love for Christ only deepened.  Whenever he had the opportunity, he would travel and visit other churches.  He dialed in to prayer line and shared his testimony and the goodness of God.  One of his favorite praise quotes was, "Not on our time, but on God's time."

In 1981, Kenneth started his career at Monterey Mushrooms.  His leadership and hard work allowed him to be promoted to foreman.  Kenneth had an incredible work ethic and was often described as delightful, dedicated, and dependable.  He took pride in his work, was prompt, and went above and beyond.  Kenneth was a loyal employee at Monterey Mushrooms for forty-three years and earned respect and admiration throughout his career.  He cultivated deep relationships with his colleagues and worked with a smile.  He was affectionately referred to as "Kennita" by his Monterey Mushrooms family.

Kenneth's family was of the utmost importance to him.  He often talked about how hard his parents worked to give their children the best they could.  His father would often tell him and his sisters to "stick together" and to "be lovely."  His father also instilled the importance of faith in Jesus Christ.  Kenneth was a dedicated and dutiful son who loved his mother dearly.  He respected and admired his mother tremendously.  Kenneth was grateful for the life lessons his mother taught him, which included "saving for a rainy day."  Kenneth adored his older sisters, and he thought the world of his nieces.  He appreciated his dedicated brothers-in-law.  Kenneth's upbringing was the foundation of his uncompromising character.  He was not a man of many words, but when Kenneth spoke his words mattered and were wise, intentional, hopeful, earnest and always Christ centered.  Kenneth had a  bright, warm smile with a hearty laugh.

Kenneth's fondest child memories included traveling to visit family and sightseeing in San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Galveston.  He enjoyed spending time with his extended family celebrating special occasions, family reunions, and holidays.  Kenneth loved his mother's, grandmother's, and aunts' homecooked meals and desserts.  He also enjoyed Mexican cuisine on special occasions.  Kenneth was a car and truck enthusiast.  Over the years, he owned sports cars and trucks that he took great pride in.  He was an avid reader of financial news.  As he grew older, in his spare time, he shared some of the same hobbies as his father, which included beautifying his yard, gardening, and sitting on the porch enjoying nature.  Kenneth had a green thumb and enjoyed planting flowers, tending to them, and watching them grow.  

Kenneth was preceded in death by his father, Joe Wilson; his paternal grandparents, Henderson and Betty Wilson; and maternal grandparents, R.L. and Johnnie Mae Polk.  He leaves to cherish his many memories his mother, Dorothy (Polk) Wilson of Leona; his sisters, Mary Phelps (Stan) of Houston, and Beverly Kelly (Perry) of Huntsville; three nieces, Trimikia Nelms (Lee), Erika Elmore (Rodney), and Lauren Kelly; a great-nephew, Ethan; and two great-nieces, Avery and Alexis; and a host of beloved aunts, uncles, relatives, church members, friends, and colleagues.

A homegoing service for Kenneth will be held held 11:30 A.M., Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Wilson Chapel C.O.G.I.C, Leona, Texas.  Interment will follow in Two Mile Cemetery, Leona, Texas.  A visitation will take place from 2 P.M. to 7 P.M., Friday, May 17, 2024 with a time for remembrances from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.

Arrangements are under the direction of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.