Claude Eugene Wilson, Sr. was born January 23, 1927 in Marion County, Texas. He was the son of Willie and Permelia Washington Wilson. He received his education in Jefferson, Texas. He served in the United States Army and was Honorably Discharged. He then entered the workforce for the Corp of Engineers, Armor Packing of Fort Worth, Texas, H.B. Zackery Power Plant, Browning and Root Company and he also did carpentry work in the East Texas area. Lastly, his passion was farming but most of all he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend.

Cherishing his memories are his children; Brenda Wilson-Richardson (Roy), Rosa Wilson-Tillis, Claude Wilson, Jr. (Pam), Billie Wilson-Boyd (Charles), Elva Wilson-Powell (Alphonso), Debra Wilson-Thomas and Kenneth Wilson; grandchildren, Craig, Kenny, Chanieka, LaTonya, Lekeshei, Jada, LaShonda, Roy Jr., Andre, Bruce Jr., Trevia, DJ, Eric, Raven, Akieya, VoJon, Jordan and seventeen great grandkids; brother, Andrew R. Wilson of Dallas, Tx; sister, Willie M. Lynn of Harleton, Tx and a host of nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife; Mattie Wilson; daughter, Anita Reaves; brothers, Ruben, Oscar, Raymond and Nathan Wilson; sisters, Mattie L. Smith and Lurene Cooper; great grandson, Rayquan Wilson and great granddaughter, Akylea Thomas.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Macedonia United Methodist Church in Jefferson, Texas, burial will follow at Macedonia Cemetery in Jefferson, Texas. A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, August 20, 2021 at Downs Funeral Home in Marshall, Texas.