Joe Glen Wilson was born on May 7, 1938 in Seguin, TX to Hurley Wilson, Sr. and Cordelia Ball Wilson. There were nine children born to this union - Grace, Joe, Howard, Otis, Curtis, Fred, Albert, Sherman and Larry. He also had five older siblings - Mary, Faris, Doris, Rosie and Hurley, Jr. A total of 14 siblings all raised together to be a loving and supportive family.
Joe attended Zion Hill Baptist Church and Capote Baptist Church with his family. He accepted Christ at a young age and continued to grow in his Christian journey.
He completed his early education in the Seguin school district. He attended Ball High School where he played and excelled in football and graduated in 1957.
Shortly after graduation, Joe began working in San Antonio, TX and eventually moved to San Diego, CA to live with his sister Rose. Soon after Joe met the love of his life Rubie L. Edmond. On October 3, 1959, Joe and Rubie united in holy matrimony. To this union, two children were born, Michael Keith and Valerie Rachele. Their enduring love lasted 33 years until Rubie's untimely passing in 1992.
In January 1958, Joe began his more than 38-year career of Civil Service. He was first hired as a Janitor with the Navy Resale System. In February 1958, he was promoted to the position of Apprentice Cobbler at Naval Training Center, San Diego and to Cobbler in July 1960. Always seeking for more challenging work duties, he accepted positions as a Warehouse Worker, Receiving Clerk and Accounting Clerk.
Joe had aspirations of becoming a business manager. He continued his education in various college courses and Business Management certificate programs at UCLA Extension and San Diego State University. In 1965, he applied for the Management Trainee Program with NAVRESSO. His first managerial position was the Locker Club Manager at Naval Submarine Base, Point Loma. Through hard work, determination and persistence, he was promoted to Navy Exchange Branch Manager where he was instrumental in numerous improvements from building food service facilities, the Enlisted Men Club, NEX Gas station, bowling alley and the retail store.
In 1975, Joe accepted a new management assignment at OLF Imperial Beach, Navy Exchange. Under his leadership, he spearheaded a total refurbishment of the entire Exchange Complex and built one of the best Commissaries in the San Diego region. In 1988, Joe transferred to Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado where he again initiated and led a total rebuild of the NEX retail store and office spaces.
Throughout his work history, it was always noted that Joe was an outstanding professional, an exemplary leader and showed personal initiative and motivation to achieve any goals set before him. Joe was an award-winning manager receiving several Superior Accomplishment Recognition Awards for outstanding leadership skills, knowledge and performance. He fully retired in May 1996. Joe was known to help many family members obtain employment with the Navy. He would always say, "I'll make the connection, but it's up to you to perform and keep the job."
Joe and Rubie joined Calvary Baptist Church in 1959 under the leadership of Dr. S.M. Lockridge. In December 1994, he proudly joined New Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of his son, Rev. Michael K. Wilson. He was a dedicated member who served as a Deacon, Chairman of the Deacon Board (2012-2013) and a member of the Brotherhood. Joe found many ways to serve the church. He loved to work in the yard, so he always made sure the landscaping and flowers at the church were just right. He also served by helping several members by maintaining their yards at their homes.
Joe had a special love for outdoor sporting activities. At one time, he enjoyed deep sea fishing. However, his favorite activity was the annual deer-hunting trip to Seguin, TX. Every November, it was a time when many of his brothers, his son, son-in-law and nephews gathered to bond and strategize for the hunt. He was always excited to share a hunting story with anyone that would listen.
Joe was known to be a generous and friendly man. After he retired, he would often be seen working in the yard or creating a project in the garage. Known for sitting in his garage and holding court with his neighbors, many people would drive by, stop and sit and visit with him. Often, he would share knowledge and advice. His booming voice, big smile and giving heart, Joe will be missed tremendously.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Rubie Wilson; son, Rev. Michael K. Wilson and siblings Hurley Jr (Fuzzy), Grace, Fred, Mary, Rosie, and Howard.
He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted daughter and son-in-law, Valerie Rachele (Brian) Morris, San Diego, CA; grandchildren Anthony P. "Tonee" (Rhasaan) Sherrill II, Hayward, CA; Andre Rene (Ariel) Wilson, Sacramento, CA; Austin Keith Wilson, Los Angeles, CA; Kendrick O'Brian Morris, Miramar, FL; Valencia Rachele Morris, San Diego, CA and Dominique Patrice Wilson, Nashville, TN; great grandson, Khyri Amor K. Wilson and great-granddaughter Amara Danae Wilson. Bonus grandchildren Andre Sturkey; Cianna Sturkey and Bethany Williams. Sister - Doris Ball, Seguin, TX; Brothers - Faris Wilson, Sr., Seguin, TX; James Otis (Mary) Wilson, Seguin, TX; Curtis (Clemogene) Wilson, Sr., Missouri City, TX; Rev. Albert Wilson, Seguin, TX; Sherman (Darlene) Wilson, Saskatchewan, Canada; Larry (Gwen) Wilson, Brownwood, TX; Niece/God-daughter, Vanessa Brown; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Tributes
Tina R. Jackson wrote on Aug 4, 2021:
"Growing up in Calvary Baptist Church under Dr. S.M. Lockridge. You couldn't help but know Bro. Joe Wilson. His smile and friendliness to the young people. He was so kind to us teens. But made sure we were in Sunday school and not at the store buying candy! Thank you Bro. Joe for treating us and young adults as we grew in the Lord! You will be missed always!"