John Thomas (Tommy) Wilson

John Thomas Wilson III, “Tommy” a “True Cowboy” was born in Abilene, Texas on March 21, 1938, to John Thomas “Hoss” Wilson and Christine Ballard (Wilson) Scott.  After graduating from Wylie High School Tommy began his lifelong career working for Southwestern Bell as a cable splicer.  He would marry Ruby Claudine Wilson on December 6 ^th , 1957, at her parents’ home on Old Anson Rd.

Tommy was preceded in death by both parents Hoss Wilson and Christine Ballard Scott.  He is survived by his sister Mary Ann Dempsey of Grandbury, TX, children, Randall David Wilson (wife Julie), Regina Diane Wisdom, Robert Darin Wilson (wife JoAnn) and Christi Lee Wilson.  He also had 10 grandchildren Justin Wilson (Kristen), Gibbs Wilson (Britini), Amy Lovelady (Josh), Seth Wilson (Emily), Clayton Wesley Walters, Chesleigh Shaye Wisdom, Jacquelyn Morgan Euton (Dylan), Kristi Churchill (Clay), Shelly Turnbough (Colby), and Marlee Ann Wilson, 21 great-grandchildren and Gunner Stone who Tommy considered a grandson.

Through the years Tommy lived in many places and each place included a barn, a horse stall and a roping arena.  His love for the sport of calf roping was endless.  Spending many hours on horseback, practicing and participating at jackpot roping’s and rodeos.  He won many buckles and saddles during his roping career.  One fond memory in 1970 winning the calf roping saddle at the Stamford Stampede Rodeo.  He roped alongside many great cowboys, Ed workman, Fritz Hunsucker, Lonnie Jordan, Randy Stone (Longtime Friend) and several family members Bill Dempsey, Jackie Wilson, Sonny Phillips and Darin Wilson (his son) to name a few.

After retiring from AT&T with 35 years of service, he would continue riding, roping and training horses.  Tommy ended his last years living back in Abilene spending time just hanging out with his family, grandkids and friends.  He was either at Sears Senior Citizens Center, sitting outside on his porch and on many occasions in Darin’s swimming pool or back porch watching sports and music videos.  He added to his genres of music taking a liking to Bruno Mars songs and videos.   Yes, he was a “Dangerous Man with some money in his pocket”. He also lived at the home of Mary Beth Slaughter who became a blessed addition to his care taking and of course with his personality made new lifelong friends, Mary Beth (whom he would rename Mary Pat), John Wayne and Robert Boyd.  He would end his days at Hendrick Hospice Care where the doctors and staff are the best of the best.

A visitation for Tommy will be held Tuesday evening December 20 ^th from 5-7 pm at Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut St.  Graveside service will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 pm in the Coleman City Cemetery.  Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.