Ed Wilson

On Sept 2, 2024, William Edward Wilson went to his eternal home at the age of 95.

Ed is survived by his loving family, including his wife Gail Wilson, his children Pamela Wilson, Randy Wilson, and Thad and Sheryl Wilson; grandchildren Jeremy and LeAnn Brown, Heather Brown, Melanie and Jesse Davis, Garrett and Meagan Brown, Taylor and Garrett Gibson, and Victoria Wilson; great grandchildren Riley Stevens, Bryanna Manning, Madison and Brendan Cockroft, Maryssa Davis, Payton Brown, Xander Davis, Logan Brown, Braden Brown, Hailey Brown, Kinslee Brown and Kingston Brown; and great, great grandchildren Brooklyn Cockroft, Shiloh Davis and Charli Cockroft.

Ed is preceded in death by his parents Edgar and Era Wilson, sister Dorothy Steed and great grandson Tyler Brown.

Ed was born on October 20, 1928, in Avery, Texas. After receiving his bachelor's degree from Sam Houston State Teachers College, he met the love of his life, Gail. They were married in August of 1951, and celebrated 73 amazing years together on Aug 25th. He leaves the legacy of 3 children, 6 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 3 great, great grandchildren.

Along with being a devoted husband, father and granddad, Ed was a scholar and educator. He completed his master's degree and doctorate studies at East Texas State University. Ed became the Principal of Forney High School in 1963. During his nine years as Principal, he was known as being tough yet fair and was highly respected by students and facility alike.

In 1972, Ed became Director of Special Education Cooperative for Kaufman and Rockwall counties. He was elected President of the State Special Education Organization and honored as one of the first recipients of the Texas Administrators Hall of Honor. After a brief retirement in 1994, Ed consulted with Dallas County Schools for 9 years. Ed was inducted into the Forney Ex-Students Association Hall of Honor in recognition of his service to the children of Kaufman County.

A man of many passions, including his love for horses, Ed was a founding member and 20-year President of the Texas Arabian Breeding Association. He also served as President of the Texas Thoroughbred Association. Known as a devoted horse owner, Ed was recognized with five Darley Awards and the Arabian Jockey Club's Tent of Honor for his extraordinary contributions and influence on horseracing.

Ed was deeply committed to serving his community. He led the Kaufman County Emergency Services District as Chairman for 20 years and served four years on the Regional Aging Advisory Committee of North Texas. Ed was the oldest member of the First Baptist Church of Forney, where he participated in various ministries and served as a greeter. As part of his incredible legacy, Ed was honored to have a school named after him. Forney ISD opened Ed Wilson Elementary School last month.

Ed was a friend to everyone, an inspiration to all who knew him, and a leader who served others first. He was a humble, God-loving man who believed in doing the right thing for his family and his community. His impact and wisdom will live on through the thousands of lives he has enriched.

Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, Sept 5 from 6 - 8 PM at New Hope Funeral Home in Sunnyvale, Tx. The funeral service will be Friday, Sept 6 at 1PM, First Baptist Church of Forney. The graveside burial ceremony will immediately follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Forney.