Rickie Lawrence Wilson, 71, passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at the Woods Nursing and Rehab in Monticello, AR surrounded by his family. He was born June 14, 1953, in Natchez, MS to the late Benny Jack Wilson and Billie Sue McNeil Wilson. He worked for the Arkansas Highway Department for over forty years and was a bridge inspector for thirty-eight of those years before his retirement. He was inducted into Arkansas Tech Hall of Fame for Football for the Championship Run in 1972 with the Wonder boys. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and being outdoors. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and tinkering in the shop. He learned how to work on outboard motors when he went to school with his father in Alabama to learn how to work on them in the 1960s. He loved camping at Lake Ouachita and Lake Greeson. He would disappear for two weeks every deer season. He was always picking and teasing, and the ''Rickie Rule'' was the only way when he was around. The people he worked with were always trying to get one on him before he got one on them. He was a member of Pauline Missionary Baptist Church for forty years. He enjoyed being the door greeter at Pauline as well as helping with the grounds committee. He also enjoyed his Sunday school class.
He was always really good at math, helping college students without even having a piece of paper to work the problem out. He put several programs into place to help with the bridge inspections and make it work smoother.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by, uncles, Tommy Lee Wilson, Rayford A. ''Pete'' Wilson, Georgie McNeil, Henry McNeil, and John C. McNeil, Jr; and one aunt, Barbara Ann McNeil Mingee.
Survivors include wife of forty-two years, Cam Wilson; children, Seth Wilson and wife Candace, Sara Beth Wells and husband Tyler; grandchildren, Drake Avery Wilson, Easton Jay Wilson, Thad Scott Wells, Jacy Ann Wells, Silas Wayne Wells; siblings, Steve Wilson and wife Shelia, Dalene Stephenson and husband Mike, Jackie Garner and husband Mark; host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Visitation will be Saturday, December 28, 2024, from 11:00 - 1:00 p.m. at Pauline Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral Services will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Bro. Rob Leonard officiating. Burial will be in Cypress Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to Pauline Baptist Church.
Condolences(5)
Stacy Cater
Monticello, AR Monday, December 30, 2024 So sorry to hear of Rick's passing. He was so friendly and a sweet person. He will be missed.Kay Stover Reed
Hot Springs, AR Sunday, December 29, 2024 I remember Rick fondly! Your family is in my prayers.David Moore
My Ida, AR Friday, December 27, 2024 Ricky and I were life long friends. We played every sport in high schoolTogether. We camped and fished and learned to water ski behind his daddy’s razorback boat. We called ourselves hunting out of his daddy’s half cab bronco. And we had some rough physical basketball games in our back yard. He was a dear friend that we are all going to miss.
Lisa Garman Norvell
Ft. Worth, TX Thursday, December 26, 2024 So sorry to hear of Rickie's passing. I'm keeping the family in my heart and prayers during this sad time.Colleen Fulmer
Monticello, AR Thursday, December 26, 2024 Even the short time we knew him, he was a generous, kind and joyful person. Glad to have known him. Prayers for a season of sweet remembrances and a joyful Hope to see him again in heaven! Love you guys!