Donald Joe Wilson of Terrell, Texas passed away on September 26, 2026. He was born in Dallas, Texas on December 3, 1942 to Joe and Opal Wilson.

Don grew up in Garland, Texas and enjoyed playing sports throughout his youth. He graduated from Garland High School class of 1961. After graduation, he worked at Texas Instruments while attending University of North Texas with an extensive group of friends. In 1967, with just months before graduation, Don was drafted. Instead of taking deferment, he went into the Army.

In the 2 years he served in Vietnam, Don was an Army Ranger in the 9th Infantry Division Mobile Riverines, attaining the rank of E6-Buck Sargent. He received numerous honors including Silver Star, Bronze Star, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and a Purple Heart.

After recovering from injuries he sustained, Don went to work for then LTV which later became E-Systems then Raytheon. He worked for LTV/E-Systems/Raytheon for over 30 years serving in multiple business management roles. He retired as the Director of Finance at the Garland Division in 2004.

Don was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, proud great-grandfather and dependable friend. He was married to Diane Wilson for 54 years who proceeded him in death in May. He also lost a beloved son-in-law, Mark Trace in 2022 and a cherished sister, Linda Louise Bell in 2020. He is survived by his daughter Natalie Ann Trace, son Ronald Lee Wilson, grandchildren Amy Denise Wilson and her husband Jeremy Fain, Kyle Lee Wilson, and Abby Danielle Trace Rothermel and her husband John Rothermel and great grandchildren Gemma Everly Fain, Kash Lee and Krew Wade Wilson, and Lily Ann and Adeline Rose Rothermel.

Throughout his life, he remained an avid sportsman. Don loved playing golf, hunting and his first love fishing. Nothing made him happier than being on the lake when the fish were biting.

A memorial service for Don will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, October 26, 2026 at Williams Funeral Home, 1600 S Garland Avenue, Garland, Texas 75040 with interment at Dallas-Ft Worth National Cemetery to follow at 1:00pm.