FERRIDAY – Services for Austin Blair Wilson Sr., 85, of Ferriday, who died Wednesday at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, in Ferriday, will be at 10 a.m. today at Young’s Funeral Home with the Rev. Randy Williams officiating.
Burial will follow at Harrisonburg Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home in Ferriday.
Mr. Wilson was born Sept. 25, 1922, in Concordia Parish, the son of Thomas Milton Wilson and Eunice Knight Wilson. He graduated from Ferriday High School and attended Northwestern University and Louisiana State University. He enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II where he had two combat jumps, Normandy and Holland. Mr. Wilson received 15 metals, one of which was the Bronze Star. After returning home, he and his brother, Red Wilson, started an oil field construction company known as Wilson Wire Line. He also owned and operated Wilson Contractors for Ashland Oil Company.
Mr. Wilson was a member of Hill Memorial Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one granddaughter, Crystal M. Harris; and two brothers, Milt Wilson and Herbert Knight Wilson.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Audie Marie Wilson; one daughter, Carol Sikes and husband, Charles, both of Jonesville; one son, Austin Blair Wilson Jr. of Ferriday; three granddaughters, Erica, Nicole and Candance Wilson; and grandson, Dustin Wayne Mullins.
Pallbearers will be Jay Deprato, Tony Brocato, Daryl Reid, Guy Hill, Max Fugler, James King, Buddy Kirby and Jack Crane.
Honorary pallbearers and special thanks to the staff of Heritage Manor, Dr. Huey Moak and the staff of Riverland Medical Center.
To leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.youngsfh.com.