Washington County Enterprise-Leader
David Ragon Wilson
David Ragon Wilson (Dave), 64, of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away Jan. 6, 2018, after a courageous battle with ALS. He was born April 8, 1953, in Little Rock, Ark, the son of Patti Casey-Wilson and Herbert Wilson.
He grew up in Little Rock and attended Catholic High School and Central High School. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany at the end of the Vietnam War. Upon completion of his service, he attended Fort Smith Junior College, University of Central Arkansas, and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
He and his wife, Debra Cantrell Wilson, were married for over 39 years. He, a man of many talents, was a chef, restaurant and hotel manager, water color artist, photographer, arrowhead collector, and music lover. He was also a beloved husband, brother, brother-inlaw, and friend.
He was very thankful to the Veterans Administration for their support and assistance during his illness. The family would like to thank all the caregivers and friends who provided comfort, support, and assistance during this time.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Patti and Herbert Wilson; and in-laws, Henry and Mary Jane Cantrell.
He is survived by his wife, Debra Wilson; a sister, Malinda Smith of Little Rock; one brother-in-law, Doug Cantrell of West Fork, Ark.; three sisters-in-law, Donna Cantrell of Stillwater, Okla., Jeanie Johnston and husband Herbie of Norwood, Mo., Denise Channel of Fayetteville; nieces, Robin Gilchrist and husband Michael, Cassie Ferguson and husband Tyler, Madison Cantrell, Kennedy Channel; nephews, Sean Smith, Jason Smith, Jonathan Smith, and Nathan Cantrell and wife Elisha, and greatnephew Asher Cantrell.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate Dave’s life from 1-3 p.m. Jan. 20, 2018, at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, 4703 N. Crossover Road, Fayetteville, AR. If so inclined to honor his memory, donations may be made to: “Save the Buffalo Again,” C/O Buffalo River Water Alliance, P.O. Box 101, Jasper, AR 72641 or the ALS Association, Arkansas Chapter, 1200 W. Walnut, Suite 2309, Rogers, AR 72756, e-mail: Info@ALS-Arkansas. org.