Jimmy Orvel Wilson

Jimmy Orvel Wilson went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, December 9, 2023, in Round Rock, TX after a brief illness. Jimmy was born in Odessa, TX on February 7, 1946, the middle of three children to Johnny Wilson and Bertha Kading. No matter where Jimmy lived throughout his life, he always considered Odessa to be home.

Jimmy lived a life of service to not only his friends and family, but to his community and country as well. Jimmy first served his country by enlisting in the United States Naval Reserve in 1965. Later, he served his community as a Peace Officer with the Midland Police Department. Jimmy was a founding Deacon of Central Baptist Church in Odessa.

Jimmy was instrumental in bringing Girls Softball to the Permian Basin in the early 1980’s as President of the United Girls’ Softball Association. Jim sponsored many Girls Softball Teams through his company Southwestern Coatings and coached a number of All-Star teams in Odessa. Jimmy was able to touch the lives of many kids through sports in Odessa.

Jimmy had a lifelong love of music that began at Ector Junior High where he learned to play the baritone under Band Director Cecil Morris, with whom he maintained a friendship until Cecil’s death. Jimmy ultimately earned the honor of Drum Major of The Ector High School Eagle Band. Jimmy was always very proud to be an alumnus of Ector High School.

Professionally Jimmy stood out among his peers. He earned the prestigious credential of Industrial Coatings Inspector of which he was extremely proud. He retired from The Sherwin-Williams Company where he earned numerous awards including the top sales award known as “The President’s Club” on several occasions. Jimmy had a true expertise in the field of Industrial Coatings.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Melvin Wilson. He is survived by his wife, Sherry of Jarrell, TX; his children, Melissa Keith and husband Erbin of San Diego, CA, Shannon Wilson and husband Frank Medina of Jarrell, TX and David Wilson and wife Brandy of San Antonio, TX. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Austin Wilson and wife Samantha of Jarrell, TX, Conor Keith and wife Brooke of Portland, OR, Sheridan Keith of San Diego, CA, Tyler Wilson and wife Cecilia of Seguin, TX, McKinzie Wilson and wife Morgan of Leesville, LA and Chance Wilson and fiancé Cheyenne Schroeder of Seguin, TX; great-grandchildren, Xena Faye, Scarlet Faith, Jimmy Walker of Jarrell, TX and David Nash of Seguin, TX, as well as 2 great-grandbabies on the way. He is also survived by sister, Joyce Longino and husband Jimmy of Odessa and sister-in-law, Brenda Wilson of Midland. Jimmy is survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved.