William Grady Wilson

William "Billy" Grady Wilson, Jr. entered peacefully into the arms of Jesus on April 29, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born to WG "Bill" Wilson, Sr. and Elizabeth Kathleen (Prickett) Wilson on May 10, 1939, in Jacksonville, Alabama.

Billy was saved at the age of nine and realized how important God was in all aspects of his life. He gave God the glory for his family, his marriage, Christian teachers, and the life with which he was blessed. The Wilson family moved to Houston after WW2 and to the Willowhole Community in 1953. The farm was sold in 1957 when the family moved to Madisonville. This is also the year that Billy graduated from Madisonville High School. One of his fondest memories of high school was being elected FFA President for three years. He loved anything agricultural!

After high school, Billy attended Texas A&M University for two years and then Sam Houston State University for two years, where he graduated in 1961. He was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. While attending college, Billy married the "love of his life,” Charlotte Mosley. They met when they were only fourteen and fifteen and dated through high school. In their sixty-seven years of marriage, they had many adventures and showed an example of a Christian marriage. After graduating college, Billy went to work for TXDOT. In 1964, he and Charlotte built their home on Hwy 21 where they lived their married life and raised their children. Billy and his dad soon began working together in construction and then opened WG Wilson and Son Tractors selling tractors and farm equipment. After ten years, the company closed due to his dad's health. One of Billy’s favorite jobs was working at Madison St Joseph Health Center, starting in 1994 as Plant Operations Manager.

Besides working, Billy was constantly involved in the community. He served as Director for the Chamber of Commerce, President and Vice President of the Lions Club, and Charter member and President of the Madison County Fair where he was later honored for his service. He also served as Madisonville Sidewalk Cattleman’s Association President, Houston Livestock Show Ambassador, Texas Farm Bureau Policy Board, President of Madisonvillle's Young Farmers, State Vice-President, Secretary, and Reporter, three terms as Pct 1 Commissioner, and was selected by the governor to be on the Brazos Valley Developmental Council. There were so many more organizations he served.

Billy was also a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Madisonville where he served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Royal Ambassador leader, and any other role as needed. In his last months, one of the things he dreaded most was missing church due to illness. He wanted to be with his church family whom he loved (and who loved him) so dearly.

If you ever met Billy Wilson, you knew him. He never met a stranger and found the good in everyone he met. He truly loved like Jesus! He wanted to see people smile, laugh, and be happy. He could tell stories and jokes that could accomplish those things and leave you wanting to hear more.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Kathleen Wilson, his daughter, Cheryl Leigh Wilson, who died at the age of nine from an illness, and brother-in-law Bob Webb.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beautiful wife, Charlotte Wilson; daughters, Lori Wilson and Karen Wilson Pine (Bill); sisters, Carolyn Wilson and Susan Wilson Mayrant (Gary); grandchildren, Zach Wilson, Max Wilson, Isaac Wilson, Christian Wilson, Jacob Pine, Katie Pine, Martina Munoz and Kristalyn Brambley; great-grandchild, Cade Wilson; sister-In-law, Linda Webb; nephews, Kirk Webb (Stacey) and Keith Webb; great-nieces, Maggie Webb Gariepy (Levi), Emmy Webb Crenshaw (Andrew), and Jennifer Berry (Andy). Also left to miss Billy is his faithful dog, Bailey. She loved him loyally as he did her.

A funeral service to remember Billy, officiated by Matt Carey, will be held at 1 P.M. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the First Baptist Church in Madisonville, Texas. Visitation will begin one hour before the service at 12 P.M. followed by burial in the Willowhole Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Zach Wilson, Max Wilson, Isaac Wilson, Christian Wilson, Jacob Pine, Bill Pine, Casey Rawlinson Honorary pallbearers: Gary Lindsey, Nathan Ladd, Shane Spangler, and Deacons of First Baptist Church Madisonville with special recognition to Chuck Heath, Colvin Walker, and Gary Wilson. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Madison County Fair Association, PO Box 1151, Madisonville, Texas, 77864 or First Baptist Church of Madisonville, PO Box 159, Madisonville, Texas, 77864.

Final arrangements for William "Billy" Wilson are under the compassionate care and direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.