Wilson Lee Fletcher Obituary
Wilson Lee Fletcher of Allen, Texas was called home by his Lord and Savior on July 13, 2024.
Born in Miles, Texas on February 12, 1940, to the late Robert Lee Fletcher and Lola Belle (Wilson) Fletcher, Wilson is predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Laura (English) Fletcher; and 2 sisters he adored: Katie (Fletcher) Peterson and Joy LaRue (Fletcher) Lacy.
Wilson is survived by 2 loving sons and their wives: Derek Fletcher & Christine (Reed) Fletcher; Scott Fletcher & Raelene (Hancock) Fletcher; 5 grandchildren, 2 great-granddaughters, many nieces and nephews whom he treasured and close family friends Jason Weigler and Kris Kizer who he loved as sons.
An all-around student-athlete at Miles High School, Wilson played on the Bulldog tennis, baseball, football, and basketball teams, was active in the FFA and named “Mr. Miles High School” before graduating in 1958. He often reflected on how richly blessed he was to have been raised in Miles, commenting that although the family didn’t have a lot of money while he was growing up, he had an abundantly rich life because of his family and the good and caring people of the Miles community.
Wilson loved to tell stories and you could be sure that at least 50% was true. You just never knew which 50%. One of his favorites - and completely true stories - was how he met Laura in 1960 at First National Bank of Fort Worth. She was a teller on the first floor, and he worked upstairs. After numerous stolen glances and flirtatious half-smiles, he finally worked up the nerve to ask her out to lunch. Months later, a janitor caught them kissing in the elevator. Shocked, the janitor stuttered an awkward apology for interrupting to which Wilson jokingly chastised him with “Well, just don’t let it happen again.” Laura and Wilson married on June 17, 1962.
Wilson received an undergraduate degree in accounting and an MBA from Texas Christian University. He was a member of the ROTC and, upon graduation, was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. One of Wilson’s claims to fame was that Greenville, Mississippi never fell under attack while he was stationed there. He treasured his time in the military and always had a deep respect and admiration for those who serve our country.
Following the Air Force, Wilson pursued a career in banking, working as an executive officer of several banks in the DFW metroplex, San Antonio, Cleburne, Abilene, San Angelo and Snook, Texas.
As a father, Wilson invested in his children, pushing them to maximize their potential whether in academics, athletics, music or life.
An exceptional athlete himself, he had a passion for Derek and Scott’s athletic pursuits. On more than one occasion, this enthusiasm resulted in the referee “kindly asking” Wilson to leave his son’s games. Wilson was equally engaged in their lives off the field. He continually encouraged the boys to practice and pursue their interests and passions and they were truly blessed by his guidance and leadership.
Wilson delighted in his grandchildren, and they instinctively knew his teasing and joking was the unique love language he reserved especially for them. His quirky sense of humor lives on in Sydney, Grant and Gavin.
After retiring and moving to the Dallas area, Laura and Wilson regularly visited retirement homes to worship and share communion with homebound residents. He was a generous spirit with a big heart and made people from all walks of life feel comfortable and at ease with his quick wit, engaging smile and artful storytelling.
Wilson will be deeply missed by his family and friends. We take comfort in knowing he is reunited with his Lord and Savior and those he cherished most.
A small family service will be held at Miles Cemetery in Miles, Texas on June 26th at 10am. A celebration of life event will be held at Eastridge Church of Christ in Rockwall, Texas later in the summer.
