Russell Gray Wilson
“He lived fully, loved deeply, and explored the world with wonder.”
Russell Gray Wilson was born on July 6, 1937, in Clinton, South Carolina, the second son of Woodrow Lamar and Alice Faye Wilson. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Jan Wilson, who passed on October 5, 2025, and his older brother, Boyce Wilson. He is survived by his children, Chad Wilson of Silsbee; Andrew Wilson and his wife, Deanna, of Lumberton; and Dr. Leah Wilson Walker and her husband, Tighe, of Austin. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Joshua Alexander McDill of Decatur; Sloan Sterling Wilson and his wife, Megan, of Baton Rouge; and Sierra Kay Wilson of Alvin, as well as his great-grandchild, Hazel Louise Wilson. Russell is survived by his brother, Ricky Wilson and his wife, Juanita, of Matthews, North Carolina, and his sister-in-law, Carolyn Wilson of South Carolina.
In 1957, Russ enlisted in the United States Army, serving as a Russian Linguist in the Korean DMZ until 1960. Though he spoke little of his service, he often reflected on the lessons it taught him—particularly the value of education, which he pursued diligently after his discharge. Returning to the Carolinas, Russ worked for Duke Power while attending college at night.
It was during this time that a fateful evening at Shoney’s led him to meet Jan Gandy, the love of his life. Within a year, they were married and in 1962 moved to Houston, Texas, to begin building their family.
Russ’ entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to purchase a small, country grocery store in Silsbee, Texas, the first step in creating Russ Wilson’s Grocery, and what later would become King Saver, a chain of independent stores throughout Southeast Texas. He served with dedication on the board of Affiliated Independent Grocers and managed his own stores until his retirement in 1992.
Russ and Jan were faithful members of Silsbee Methodist Church for 60 years. Russ taught the men’s class for 40 years, served on almost every board at church, and touched the lives of many.
In retirement, Russ embraced his passions for travel and lifelong learning, exploring every continent alongside Jan for nearly 30 years. He also delighted in golf wherever he could play, with a love for the game that remained strong throughout his life.
Russ will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to family, his entrepreneurial vision, quiet generosity, and his deep appreciation for the world and all it had to offer.
A life well-lived, a heart well-loved.
Russell Gray Wilson embraced the world with quiet curiosity, boundless generosity, and unwavering devotion to family. From small-town South Carolina to the far corners of the globe, he carried a love for learning, adventure, and the simple joys of life. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, he leaves a legacy of warmth, wit, and a spirit that will forever inspire those who knew him.
A celebration of Russ’ life will be held with family and friends beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee.
The family invites you to view his services via zoom here. Meeting ID: 826 2792 3535. Passcode: 036124. For further instruction please view here.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Silsbee
- 490, Cemetery Road, Silsbee, Texas, 77656,
- April 11, 2026
- 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Memorial Service
Broussard’s Mortuary Silsbee
- 490, Cemetery Road, Silsbee, Texas, 77656,
- April 11, 2026
- 11:00 am
Committal
Broussard’s Crematorium
- 5150, Stivers Dr, Beaumont, TX, 77705,
I am so sorry for the loss of my Mentor and good friend, Russ Wilson. He was a great teacher of our Holy Bible. His knowledge of God’s Bible, will be missed.
I pray God’s Peace and Comfort for his family.
Love and prayers to you Chad, Andy, Leah and your families. Your dad was one of a kind, and a good friend to my dad. Such a good and kind man.
Mr. Wilson will surely be missed! He was old enough to be my grandpa and delighted to call him my friend. I met Mr. Wilson through a neighbor he played golf with out here in Wildwood. He hired me to do some painting. That opened the door to a friendship. I began cleaning for the Wilsons and it was during this time that we became close. Mr. Wilson shared about his travels, his business adventures, and his childhood, etc.
Mr. Wilson was a Class Act! So many great moments to forever hold in my heart!
My Deepest Condolences to his Children & the rest of the family! A Beautiful legacy, both Mr. & Mrs. Wilson left behind!
Russ and Jan were both respectful and respected by all that knew them. I was working after school and on Saturdays at Dehart grocery when he bought it, I stayed with him until my senior year. He worked hard to build his grocery business, I’m glad they got to enjoy their latter years.
He came to town in a Pontiac Tempest and the last time I saw him at the golf course he was driving a Jaguar.
My condolences to the family, he was a good man.
Condolences to the family of Russ Wilson. I worked for Mr.Wilson in my early years. That was a job that I truly enjoyed thanks to him. Russ was so pleasant and a man to be respected. Always remembered him and was blessed to see him a couple of months ago at the Silsbee Post Office. I recognized him in his little sports car. We chatted about old times and as we parted I heard another little lady say ” Hey aren’t you Mr. Wilson?”. A very well remembered and respected gentleman. So long friend.
Russ was a friend for a long time. I enjoyed interacting with him in our Sunday School class. He was always so honest and direct but soft spoken and caring. He and Jan were both role models and leaders. He will be greatly missed for sure. My prayers go out to the family.
So sorry to hear of Mr Wilson’s passing. He was a brilliant businessman and gentleman. I always enjoyed my interaction with him. I was fortunate to be able to continue to speak to him in retirement on our Waffle House runs. Praying for the family during this difficult time.
It was a pleasure getting to know you & your awesome family the brief time we had. I will miss our midnight ‘Dr Pepper’ breaks, but know you’re in a much better place now & with your loving wife again! RIP my friend.
Seeing this just brought a wave of emotion over me. My precious grandmother worked for Russ Wilson in the 70s. It was her first job after moving to Sour Lake. She is gone now too, but I can still remember many stories of her time at his store. She always spoke very highly of him.
My condolences to the family.
Did you ever meet someone and said to yourself I would like to be like him. Thats the kinda person Mr. Wilson was he reminds me a lot of my own dad. When we spoke it was always a good conversation and often some way Mr. Wilson would bring up aviation. We will continue our conversation again some day.