Wilson Louis English

Wilson Louis English

"Let not your heart be troubled.

I have gone to that place where rest is eternal"

Wilson Louis English (Buck Jones), age 65, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 22, 2019. He was born February 15, 1953 in Uriah, Alabama to the late Mr. Andrew English Sr. and Mrs. Augustine Knott English of Uriah, Alabama. He was sixth of twelve children. Wilson accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by Reverend Perryman of the Grove Hill Missionary Baptist Church of Uriah, Alabama where he served faithfully.

Wilson received his education in Monroe County Public Schools and graduated with honors in 1971 from J.U. Blacksher High School. Always a friend to those who knew him, Wilson was voted “Best All Around” by his classmates. After high school, he continued his education at Tuskegee Institute. While at Tuskegee, he joined the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and excelled in technical and leadership skills. Upon graduation with a B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering from Tuskegee in 1977, he was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.

As a highly decorated officer in the United States Air Force, CPT (Retired), Wilson spent 11 years plus serving this nation ceaselessly in outstanding professional skill, knowledge, leadership and technical expertise. His accomplishments and awards included: graduate of Squadron Officer School, recipient of the Air Force Longevity Service Award, recipient of the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service (x2) and recipient of the Air Force Training Ribbon. 

Wilson was united in holy matrimony in 1975 to Mildred Beatrice Chapman of Grove Hill, Alabama whom he met while attending Tuskegee. To this union, three children were born: Terri Cheniqua, Jacqueline Rosha and Jason Miles English. Wilson and Mildred raised three wonderful and talented children in a loving and Christian home.

Upon his honorable discharge from the United States Air Force in 1989, Wilson continued his service as a Federal Employee with the United States Air Force as an Electrical & Electronics Engineer with the Department of Defense (DOD). He retired from the DOD in September 2018 with over 29 years of service. 

In 1998, Wilson relocated to Layton, Utah and soon united with New Zion Baptist Church serving faithfully as a Deacon (Deacon Great) and working in multiple ministries. Wilson enjoyed baking his delicious red velvet, carrot and pound cakes. He enjoyed teaching Sunday school, spending time with family and friends, tutoring math and watching his favorite sports teams – Roll Tide!

After battling several health issues, Wilson willingly accepted the Lord’s invitation to come home with Him. God sent his angels into Wilson’s room at his home in Elk Grove, California and ushered him into his presence. He was surrounded by his first wife, Mildred Beatrice English, children, grandchildren and baby sister, Cathy Clark. His brothers, Willie English, Ronald W. English Sr., Calvin E. English Sr., and an infant brother, Zeno English, preceded him in death.

Wilson now leaves to cherish his memory three children; Terri Cheniqua (Kabana) Decker of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; Jacqueline Rosha (Gary) Caldwell of Sacramento, California; and Jason Miles English of Phoenix, Arizona ; five grandchildren; Kamirah Imani Decker, Kamren Reece Decker, Kayden Husani-Maureece Decker, Gary Craig Caldwell Jr and Lovelynn Beatrice Caldwell; the mother of his children: Mildred Beatrice English; siblings; Rev. Curtis L. (Karyn) Knott, Montgomery, AL; Andrew English Jr., Pensacola, FL; Mary Lois (Willie Jr.) Ponds, Pensacola, FL; Pastor Linda English, Foley, AL; Iress (Lucinda) Dean, Upper Marlboro, MD; Yvette (Leroy) Hixon; Monroeville, AL; and Cathy Clark, Mobile, AL; One Aunt: Addie R. Dean, Pensacola, FL. A host of nieces and nephews, cousins and many special friends.

Please take a moment to leave condolences for this family, light a memory candle or sign the register book.