Ben Ivery Wilson age 84, of Monticello, AR, passed away Saturday, July 29, 2023, at CHI St Vincent Medical Center in Hot Springs, AR. He was a native of Houston, TX, a past resident of Crossett, and a resident of Arkansas for eighteen years. He was a member of the Fifth Ward Church of Christ in Houston, TX, and attended the Kennedy Boulevard Church of Christ in Monticello, AR. He graduated from Carver High School in Houston, TX and went on to the University of Southern California where he played fullback. Mr. Wilson played in the NFL for six years for the Los Angeles Rams and the Green Bay Packers. He played in the second NFL Super Bowl. He was a former owner of five McDonald's restaurants in Houston, TX, and owned several other businesses. He taught in the public school system and worked in banking. He enjoyed singing, fishing, crossword puzzles, solitaire, and other card games. Mr. Wilson was extremely outgoing, loved to talk, and never met a stranger.

Mr. Wilson was preceded in death by his wife of fifty years, Annie Blyde (2010); his parents, Ben and Blanche Wilson-Wilson; two brothers, Kline and Louis Wilson; six sisters, Blanche, Christine, Jacque, Patricia, Earlie Wilson-Collins, and Margie Wilson.

He is survived by three sons: Dr. Alan Wilson and wife Stephanie of Monticello, AR; Christopher and Kevin Wilson, both of Houston; two daughters, Anissa Wilson, and Stacy Wilson-Isaiah, both of Houston one brother, Robert Wilson of Houston; eighteen grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Memorial Service for Ben Ivery Wilson will be held at the Fifth Ward Church of Christ, located at 4308 Stonewall Street (I-10 and Waco) in Houston on Friday, August 11, 2023, at 3:00 pm.