PERRYVILLE — James Wesley

“Wes” Wilson, 53, of Perryville, tragically lost his life in a drowning accident at Beaverfork Lake, north of Conway, on August 20, 2021.

Wes was born on December 30, 1967, in England, Arkansas.

Wes was a 1988 graduate of Perryville School and a veteran of the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Milwaukee for Operation Provide Comfort following Operation Desert Storm. While on board ship, he functioned as a barber, and after honorable discharge, attended Arkansas College of Barbering & Hair Design in North Little Rock. He was employed by Crow Group, Inc. in Morrilton.

Wes loved attending car shows, collecting, restoring, and reselling old cars, especially old muscle cars. He loved loud 1970’s and 1980’s hard rock and roll music. He loved to laugh and clown around with his friends and family. He possessed a mischievous nature, a wicked sense of humor, quick wit, and a huge grin. His most favorite times were spent playfully annoying his children whom he loved dearly and being “Gampa” to his grandchildren.

Wes was preceded in death by both parents: William Eugene “Billy Gene” Wilson and Donelle Surratt Wilson; grandparents: J.W. Surratt and Dalene Bostian Surratt, Vera Bea Bumgardner Morgan, and Alfred Eugene Wilson.

Wes will be sorely missed by his children, daughters: Karen Wilson of Oppelo and Tara Rosser of Russellville; sons: Cole Wilson and Connor Wilson all of Perryville; sister: Kristy Wilson of San Diego, Calif., and Hot Springs Village; four grandchildren: Brenley Olles, Stevie McNeely, Jackie Moon Brewer, and Robbie Rosser. He also leaves behind an extended family of loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, August 28, at 3 p.m., in front of the Museum of Automobiles on Petit Jean Mountain, 8 Jones Lane, Morrilton, Arkansas. Services and arrangements by Bob Neal and Sons–Morrilton, #5 Bruce St., Morrilton, Ark., 501-354-1638. Obituary/photo/guestbook: www.bobnealandsons.com