Clifford Marvin Wilson, 76, of Port Bolivar, went to his Heavenly home Tuesday, January 18, 2011, in the comfort of his home with his wife and children by his side. He was born November 4, 1934, in Burnet, Texas, to Edith Marie and Leonard Leo Wilson. He married Thelma Hildebrant in Loving, NM on August 17, 1954. Clifford worked as a welder for much of his life. He was a man of integrity who was always true to his word. He was a self-taught man, a jack of all trades, who could do anything, including building his own shrimp boat, “The Flying Jenny.” Clifford lived in various places before he decided to settle his family in the peaceful town of Port Bolivar, TX, in 1971. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed outings with his wife by his side, along with his children and grandchildren. No catfish was safe as they usually ended up on Clifford’s hook. His greatest catch was a 57-pound catfish. Many Sunday afternoons were enjoyed at the Wilson Family Fish Fry where Clifford could often be found playing his collection of old country and bluegrass music.

Clifford’s greatest love other than Thelma was his children and grandchildren. He was the pillar of the family and his strength and dedication will continue on. Family gatherings were held often, but his favorite were Thanksgiving and Christmas, as this was a time when all family were together. Clifford loved to travel. He visited many states and especially enjoyed taking a road trip to California on his motorcycle to visit his sisters. Clifford had a great sense of humor and loved practical jokes. One of his greatest was “the marshmallow tree.” He leaves with us his legacy of determination and love.

Clifford was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Geraldine Dell Harris, Lois Katherine Willey; brother, Leonard Leo Wilson, Jr.; son, Tommy Wayne Wilson; daughters-in-law, Mary Catherine Wilson and Carol McCaskill Wilson; grandchildren: Katherine Marie Wilson, April Elaine Wilson, Jason Wayne Wilson, Brianna Nicole Wilson; and great grandson, Zachariah Jackson Dunn.

Clifford is survived by his wife of 57 years, Thelma Wilson; sister, Bernice (Nikki) Raymond and husband, Ed; daughters: Cynthia Christine Dunn and husband, Kenneth; and Zella Wilson Escobedo; sons: Clifford Marvin Wilson, Jr. and wife, Pam; Raymond Clark Wilson and wife, Linda; son-in-law, Ricky Escobedo; 11 grandchildren: Dale, Robbie, Misty, Marvin, Mark, Katrina, Vicky, Amanda, Michael, Stephanie, and Kimberly; 14 great grandchildren: Destinee, Christine, Alyshia, Connor, Devin, Brendan, Jacob, Ashley, Samantha, Meaghan, J.C., Alex, Andrew, and Avery; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Clifford’s family will receive visitors from 6:00 until 8:00 pm, Thursday, January 20th, at the First Baptist Church of Port Bolivar. Funeral service will be 1:00 pm, Friday, January 21st, at the church with burial to follow at the Port Bolivar Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Kenneth Dunn, Ricky Escobedo, Clifford Marvin Wilson, III, Mark Allen Wilson, Kenneth Dale Dunn, Jr., and Robert Lane Dunn.

Honorary pallbearers will be Clifford’s sons, Clifford Marvin Wilson, Jr. and Raymond Clark Wilson; and Lee Rhame, Jr., Travis Ware, Michael Gouge, Joey Chavarria, and Justin Rekoff; and Clifford’s nephews.

Clifford’s family wishes to extend special thanks to his hospice care nurse, Helen Gerding; Chaplain Mabry; and caregiver, Eric; for the loving care they gave to Clifford.