Roy Glen Wilson

Roy Glen Wilson, educator and musician, died at his home on May 31, 2007. He was born near House, NM on September 28, 1915, the fourth of five sons of Charles and Birdie Wilson. He was raised in Roswell and graduated from New Mexico State College (NMSU) as a highly regarded musician and athlete. Roy was band director for schools in Arizona and New Mexico until WWII, when he worked for Civil Service and joined the Navy. Following the war he became band director at Jefferson High School in El Paso, where he and wife Miriam wrote the fight song and alma mater. He received his masters from Texas Western College (UTEP) and moved into school administration, serving as assistant principal or principal at Jefferson HS, Houston MS, and Hawkins and Bonham elementary schools. After retirement in 1979, he was active in the El Paso Retired Teachers Association including time spent as its president. A life long musician, Roy served the music program at Grace United Methodist Church for over 50 years as organist, choir director, and sometimes both. He was a Colleague of the American Guild of Organists. Additionally, he regularly provided music for the Grace pre-school program, for area school districts, and as an accompanist for hundreds of UIL solo and ensemble contestants. Roy was preceded in death by wife Miriam, daughter Sharon Lee, and grandson Colin Miller. He is survived by daughters Linda Downum and Judy Brewster, son Gary, eight grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and countless former students and friends. We will remember his intellect, talent, warmth, humor, generosity, and smile. A memorial service will be held at Grave United Methodist Church, 400 North Carolina Drive, on June 11th at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family request for donations to be made in Roy’s name to Grace UMC. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-East. Please visit our online register book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.