Michael L. Wilson, 77, of Batesville died Tuesday, December 3, at White River Medical Center with his daughters beside him. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, his baby girl Susan, and his loving wife Carolyn. He is survived by his two daughters, Ronda Thompson (of Batesville) husband Tim, and Kelli Swaim (also of Batesville) husband Brent, three grandchildren, Laney and Logan Thompson (of Batesville) and Shelby Dalrymple (of Mammoth Springs) husband Jordan, and one great-grandchild, Luke Dalrymple. He started as an excellent father and just kept getting better with the generations.
Mike was born to RL and Bonnie Wilson on May 18, 1947, in a sawmill in Benton, Arkansas. He never stopped loving the smell of fresh-cut lumber.
Mike’s life was a testament to service. It began with the service to his country. He served in the US Air Force for 23 years, reaching the highest rank an enlisted serviceman can, Chief Master Sargent. He served in Vietnam and received multiple accommodations during his years in the service but also found the love of his life.
On October 8, 1967, Mike and Carolyn would begin their journey together. In March of 1973, their first child, Susan, was born. Sadly, her life would last only three days on this Earth. This event changed Mike forever and entered him into the service of our Lord.
He was not a proud man in his service, but his reach was felt near and far. To bring light to each involvement would not be to his liking, but those who knew him, knew he could not say no to someone in need.
Our Hearts break here for him, but he celebrates in reunion with his love and to smile in the face of God as He says ”Well done, good and faithful servant.”
A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 7, 2024, at First United Methodist Church at 10:00 am under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home with Pastor Katie Pearce and Justin Ledbetter officiating. Burial will be at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock at a later date.
Memorials may be made in his honor to First United Methodist Church, 615 E Main St, Batesville, AR 72501.
