Thomas C. Wilson

Thomas C. “Tom” Wilson, died peacefully on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee, with his children by his side. It was the date of his 57th wedding anniversary to his beloved wife Becky. He was 88.

Born on April 26, 1938, in Memphis, Tennessee, Tom was the first of five children to Charles R. Wilson and Zita Overton Wilson. Tommy was an officer in ROTC and played baseball for Messick High School, graduating in 1957. He was then commissioned to the U.S. Army, and after completing basic training in Fort Chaffee, AR he was stationed in Hawaii, assigned to the Army Security Agency - motto “In God We Trust. All Others We Monitor” from 1958-1960. He was proud to have been the leading scorer in Army League Championship Basketball while there.

Tom met his wife, Becky O’Bannon, at Evans Products Co. in Memphis Tennessee where they both worked at the time. The two married in October 1969 and after several years in Memphis, moved their family to Jackson, Tennessee in 1978. Tom excelled in his career as a warehouse and distribution manager for well known brands Pictsweet and Martha White until his retirement.

Tom and his wife Becky were long-time members of Englewood Baptist Church and were loved and cherished by their many friends and fellow church members. Tom was very active at Englewood as an ordained deacon, having served on various committees as well as Church Training Director. He led the Royal Ambassador Boys, and helped Becky teach five year old Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. He coached numerous basketball and baseball teams over the years and continued playing softball well into his senior years, winning numerous “Tennessee Senior Games” medals. In his retirement he and Becky enjoyed traveling on cruises, trips with the Englewood Prime Timers, and to his Wilson Family reunions. He spent countless hours researching the Wilson Family Tree and ancestral history in-depth over the years. He was a lifelong Tennessee Vols fan and had a love for the “Memphis Sound” rock and soul music. Tom was an instrumental figure and role model in the lives of his two granddaughters and great-grandson.

He will be remembered with love for his principled character, gentle demeanor, and the steady and meaningful presence he held in the lives of those closest to him. He was one of the most easy-going people you could ever meet with a wonderful sense of humor.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Becky Wilson; his daughter, Laura Thornton; and his son, Allen Wilson (Aaron Bear), He also leaves behind his cherished granddaughters, Savannah Thornton and Ashlynn Thornton, and his great-grandson, Kash Thompson. He is also survived by his brother, Bruce Wilson (Donna); his sister, Glenda Ozier; and his sisters-in-law, Gail Wilson and Caroline Venable. Those who knew and loved Tom will carry forward his memory with deep affection and gratitude.

He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Jill Wilson; his father, Charles R. Wilson; his mother, Zita Overton Wilson; his brothers, Wayne Wilson and Maj. John Wilson (Ret.); nephew Mark Ozier, brother-in-law David Ozier and mother-in-law Lou Carson. Their treasured memories remained an enduring part of his life, and now he rests among them in peace.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and endless gratitude to the nurses and staff of Tennessee State Veterans Home in Humboldt, TN for their love and care for Tom during his final months.

SERVICES: Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation to honor Tom's life on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Blaine DeLoach officiating.

Tom’s life was a blessing to his family, and his memory will remain a comfort to all who had the privilege of loving him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Englewood Baptist Church.