Wilson Berry Stillwell, Sr.

Wilson Berry Stillwell, Sr., of Vidor, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on April 19, 2018, at the age of 105, after a short illness with his family by his side. He was born on January 23, 1913, in Soper, Oklahoma, to Joseph Berry Stillwell and Maggie Massey Stillwell. He lived in Beaumont, Texas, for 23 years before moving to Vidor in 1966 after Lamar University bought the family home in order to build additional dorms and classrooms.
He learned hard work at an early age because his father, Joe Stillwell, passed away when he was young, and he had to quit school and work to help support his mother and younger siblings. He worked plowing fields and as a mule-skinner. He also learned to be the best carpenter he could be, and that eventually became his trade.
In his early 20's, he was in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC Camp) for approximately 3 years helping build bridges and roads. He retired in 2004 from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Carpenters Local Union #502 with over 50 years. He was a Honorary Member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie #2523 for the Vidor and Orange area for 44 years. He was also the only member to reach 100 years and to hold an office at the age of 101.
He married the love of his life, Clara Hill, on November 6, 1939, and they were married 67 years until her death in 2007. They had 4 sons, which he loved very much. He was a hands-on dad while his boys were growing up and helped with school and activities. He was always there during the sports and baseball years being a coach's helper and umpire. He loved fishing, hunting, and gardening. He never met a stranger, and he loved talking and visiting with family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Clara Hill Stillwell; a brother, Riley Stillwell; a sister, Veta Carter; 4 half-brothers: Johnny Stillwell, Tice Stillwell, Lura Stillwell, and Ralph Howard; a half-sister, Lucille Cecil; and a granddaughter, Lori Stillwell Phillips.
He is survived by his sons, Roy of Vidor, Texas, Ralph (Billie) of Slagle, Louisiana, Wilson, Jr. (Sherry) and Terry (Rhonda) of Burkeville, Texas. He had 7 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great granchildren. He was also blessed to be touched by many more friends and family through his life.
Funeral services will be held at 2PM on Friday, April 27, at Memorial Funeral Home, 1750 TX Hwy. 12, Vidor, Texas, with Elder Wilson B. Stillwell, Jr., officiating the service and burial to follow at Del Rose Cemetery in Vidor, Texas.
Pallbearers will be Matt Stillwell, Garrett Stillwell, Derek Stillwell, Hunter Stillwell, Russ Warwick, and Gary Mansfield.
The family would like to thank Riceland Home Health and Hospice Care Facility for the wonderful care of their father.