Dorris Wells “D.W.” Wilson, age 87 of Stephens passed away Sunday, December 29, 2013 at Silver Oaks Nursing Home in Camden. He was born October 6, 1926 in  Stephens, AR to Fred Wells and Thelma Louise (Sawyer) Wilson.

D.W. was a longtime member of Sulpher Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Before his retirement he made his living as a machinist for Mobil Oil Corporation. Before his health failed, D.W. loved being outdoors working in the yard, gardening or fishing. His hobby was restoring old furniture and woodworking. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family. D.W. served his country during WWII on the USS Franklin (CV13). On March 19, 1945, D.W. became a member of 704 Club (Survivors) when his ship came under attack 50 miles off the coast of Japan and claimed the lives of 724 of his crew members. For his service D.W. was awarded the Bronze Star Medal (Presidential Citation), the Asiatic Pacific Area Bronze Star and the Victory Medal. He will forever remain in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him.

Preceding him in death are his parents, two brothers, Billy Ray Wilson and Norman Lamar Wilson.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, JoAnn Wilson of Stephens, AR; three sons, Norman Ray Wilson and wife, Vickie of Lumberton, TX, Ronald Wells Wilson and wife, Karen of Buna, TX, Robin Timothy Wilson and wife, Donna of Colmesneil, TX; step daughter, Claudia Wooldridge and husband, Danny of Springdale, AR; step son, Luther Miller of Stephens, AR; brother, Jack Albert Wilson and wife, Joanna of Springdale, AR; sister, Frances Louise Freeman and Mike of McKinney, TX; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be at 10:00AM Wednesday, January 1, 2014 at Bailey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Jack Wilson and Bro. Jamie Venable officiating. Burial and Military Honors will follow at Stephens Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home of Magnolia.

Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 5-8PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Magnolia.

In Lieu of flowers memorials are requested to Sulpher Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church, C/O
Mearl Darden, 3225 Ouachita #2, Louann, AR 71751.
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