Merlin DeLoach Wilson

During the early morning hours of July 26, 2023, after having completed God’s taskings for his life, beloved husband and father, Merlin DeLoach Wilson, 87, of Drasco, Arkansas, was called to heaven and peacefully passed away at home with his beloved wife, Judy, at his side.

Merlin and Judy married in 1999, and since that time, both have happily resided in Drasco, in a revered home, "hand-crafted" by Merlin and situated on beautiful Greer's Ferry Lake.  Merlin met Judy in 1998, after she approached him to inquire what it was he was doing after she witnessed him working on a group of mail boxes located in the neighborhood in which they both lived.  Merlin had realized that a new family of baby Bluebirds was nested precariously among the mailboxes. Concerned that the birds may be disturbed while growing, Merlin was reinforcing the mailboxes and fabricating a sign to let other people know of the nest’s existence and advising to not disturb the nest, if possible. Judy felt this action by Merlin was a very compassionate gesture from the man, and it was part of the reason she initially became enamored with him.  During 24 years together, their relationship remained rock solid and was the cornerstone of joy in life for the both of them.  Judy and Merlin loved traveling together, exploring anything new in life, and sightseeing to find what magic life would offer them, just around any corner.  It is said by many that Merlin has since been deemed a Saint by the church for his unwavering tolerance and a showing of an unprecedented level of patience during their travels, while Judy enjoyed perusing each and every thrift-store they ever came across!  This husband and wife team took incredible care of each other and loved one another, profoundly, with each gift of breath they shared, and to the last day.   

Merlin, the youngest of six children, was born on February 12, 1936, in Hickman, Kentucky, to Bill and Ann Elizabeth Wilson. Merlin's passion as a young man was doing anything outdoors! He was then, and grew more so to be, an avid and very capable sportsman. He was one who passionately enjoyed hunting, camping and fishing, truly three of his favorite hobbies.  He was very resourceful and enjoyed using his hands to build new things and to repair the older, broken ones.  His career (the one that paid the bills) was that of a railway carman with Norfolk-Southern Railroad, where he worked for many years and from where he ultimately retired in 1988. 

Merlin graduated Cloverdale High School in Elbridge, TN, in 1956.  He subsequently attended two years of college at Lambuth University in Jackson, Tennessee.

Merlin was predeceased by both his mother and father, Bill and Ann-Elizabeth, and all of his siblings to include sisters Mary and Mildred Wilson, and his three brothers Marvin, Mark, and Barney Wilson.  

He is survived by his wife, Judy Wilson; six children, from previous marriages, to include Wayne, Marlene, Susan and Russell Wilson, Chris Doyle and Corey Doyle; twelve grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.

Merlin was well read, intelligent and always willing to offer his hand in helping others. He was generally a quiet man, reserved in temperament, but a very caring individual to those close to him, while also possessing a desire for extending his competent hands toward others in need.

A loving husband, an understanding father, and a generous friend, Merlin truly will be greatly missed by many.

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