Garland ESY/Raytheon Retirees

David Wilson Wrote:

Dad turned 93 this Summer. Calvin and Lincoln always keep him entertained…Including the math test from Lincoln on his birthday card! Lincoln knew he was good at math. LOL!

Early this morning, Dad’s list of ailments which grew exponentially since March, caught up with him. He passed in his sleep at hospice. We will all miss him.

Celebration of Life information:

• Royce Wilson
• Woodway First United Methodist Church
• 2100 Woodway Dr
• Woodway, TX 76712
• Visitation will be at the church as well as the service.
• Saturday, Nov 1st
• Visitation 10:30
• Service @ 11:00

Obituary: Royce Wayne Wilson

July 22, 1932 – October 22, 2025

Royce Wayne Wilson was born in Oaklawn, Texas, which later became part of Waco. He grew up in Lacy Lakeview, Texas, and from an early age demonstrated a sharp intellect and love of learning. At just eight years old, he was advanced to the fourth grade, where he excelled in math. Royce graduated from Waco High School’s downtown campus at the age of sixteen.

At seventeen, Royce enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving as a radio operator. His service took him to the mountains of Colorado and Nevada, where he supported pilots in survival training. His natural leadership and dedication earned him the rank of sergeant at a young age. Following his honorable service, he used the GI Bill to attend The University of Texas, earning a degree in Electrical Engineering. His academic excellence was recognized through his induction into the Eta Kappa Nu Honor Association.

While in college, Royce met the love of his life, Lou, and the two were married in Austin, Texas. He began his professional career at General Dynamics in Fort Worth, working on B-52 aircraft. The couple lived in North Richland Hills, where they raised their two sons, David and Gary, and attended First Methodist Church. After five years, Royce accepted a position with LTV Aerospace in Garland, Texas, where the family made their longtime home. The Wilsons were active members of St. Philip’s United Methodist Church, later joining First United Methodist Church of Rowlett, where they formed lifelong friendships and served their community faithfully.

In 2024, Royce and Lou made the difficult decision to leave Garland—after 60 wonderful years—to move closer to their oldest son and grandchildren in Waco. Though the move was bittersweet, it gave Royce the gift of time with his Texas grandkids, Tommy, Amanda (and husband Travis Barker), and Brad, and his great-grandchildren, Calvin and Lincoln Barker.

Royce took great pride in his family’s tradition of passing down the name Wayne through four generations: Royce Wayne, David Wayne, Thomas Wayne, and Lincoln Wayne—a legacy he cherished deeply.

Throughout his life, Royce found joy in teaching and sharing experiences with his sons. Whether playing football, baseball, and basketball in the yard, building small electronic projects, or working on cars together, he loved creating moments of learning and laughter. Later, he and his son Gary bonded through their shared hobby of skeet shooting, often competing together as part of a local club.

After his sons graduated college, Royce and Lou enjoyed traveling across the United States, Canada, and Europe, often alongside friends. They also spent many happy years as members of a square dance club, delighting in the music and fellowship it brought. In total, they shared an extraordinary 69 years of marriage.

As Royce neared ninety, his health began to decline, yet his gratitude for each day never wavered. He passed peacefully in his sleep on October 22, 2025. Though he often said his last few years “weren’t graceful,” they were filled with blessings—time spent with those he loved most.

Royce was preceded in death by his parents, R.E. and Katherine Wilson, and his siblings, Lavell, Robert, Beverly, Nellceene Casper, and Hazel Massey.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Lou Wilson; sons, David and Gary Wilson; daughters-in-law, Renee’ and Carolyn; grandchildren, Tommy, Amanda Barker (husband Travis), Brad, Kitty Wilson; Robert Wilson, step-granddaughter Karen Beresky (husband Matthew); and great-grandchildren Calvin and Lincoln Barker.

Royce’s kindness, intelligence, and gentle humor left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. His life was one of love, service, faith, and family—and those who knew him were better for it.