Gary Wayne

Wilson

Gary Wayne Wilson, age 85, of Texarkana, Arkansas, took his last earthly breath on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, and inhaled the full abundance of Christ's love as he stepped into his heavenly reward for a life well lived. His hand was lovingly released from his daughter's to his Lord and Savior's without hesitation.

Born on January 20, 1941, in Ashdown, Arkansas, to Juanita and Joe Locke Wilson, Gary was the oldest son of four children.

He was a principled man of strong convictions, high standards, and unwavering values. He was known for his firm nature and stern demeanor, qualities that shaped the way he raised his children and guided his family. He believed deeply in hard work, personal accountability, and taking responsibility for one's choices. Above all, he wanted each of his children to find success and fulfillment in whatever path they chose in life. He taught them that success was not simply given, but earned through self-determination, discipline, and a willingness to work hard. The firmness with which he guided his family was easily outscored only by his fierce love and devotion to his wife, Molly.

He attended Texarkana Community College before enlisting in the U.S. Army Signal Corps as a radioman in Vietnam.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Juanita and Joe Locke Wilson; his beloved wife of 53 years, Molly Ruth Wilson; his daughter-in-law, Kathleen Kuhnke Center; his brother Ronald Joe Wilson and his baby sister, Marilyn Gail Wilson.

He leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memory: two sons, Bailey and Dawn Center of Longmeadow, Massachusetts; Brian Center of Texarkana, Arkansas; one daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Alistair "Tony" Ortiz of Suffolk, Virginia; five grandchildren, Bailey Roberts Center III, Zackery Stefen Center, Dawson Wayne Center, Alistair Alexander Ortiz II, and Alexandra Ruth Ortiz; and three great-grandchildren, Charlotte Jean Ayala-Colon, Harper-Mae Michele Center, and Avery Dawn Center.

He is also survived by his beloved nephew, Christopher and Stephanie Turley, along with many cherished friends, relatives, church family members, neighbors, caregivers, and colleagues.

A memorial service will be held Friday, Nov 13th at 2pm, at Sugar Hill Church Texarkana, 1621 Sugar Hill Rd, Texarkana, AR.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sugar Hill Church.