Thomas Milton Wilson, Jr.

Nearly a century ago, one of the dearest, kindest, most respectable loving gentleman, Thomas Milton Wilson Jr. was born into the loving arms of his parents, Helen Johnson Wilson and Thomas Milton Wilson Sr. Sadly on the 3rd of June, 2024, Milton peacefully passed away at St. Catherine's at the age of 98 1/2 under the very caring 2nd floor nursing staff and his wonderful Ascension Providence Hospice caregivers. Blessedly, his eyes were closed as he took his last breath and continued on to his journey to join his parents, loved ones, and many friends that had passed before him. His wonderful Drs. Jerad Patchin, Shawn Skeen, and Matt Patillo made certain he was receiving the best possible care which helped him to live to the age of 98 1/2.

Milton was an only child but grew up to make the best long lasting of friends all through grade school, high school, the "famous class of '43", Baylor University class of '48. While at Baylor he was part of the original company of the Southwest Summer Theatre in '47. After Baylor he served in the army. When he got out of the army he headed to the Drama Department at McMurry College in Abilene, Texas. While there he was accepted at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England where he won a scholarship at the end of his first term. In the fall of 1949 until 1952 Milton worked with the Alley Theatre in Houston, Texas. He then embarked on the journey of a lifetime when he moved to New York.

While in New York, he appeared in over 200 television shows including 4 years as a regular cast member of the Martha Ray Show. He was also in numerous commercials, 7 seasons of summer stock, several movies, tours for the American Theatre Wing, Off Broadway productions, and he also did some modeling. He worked with such stars as Helen Hayes, Bob Hope, Judy Holiday, Jack Benny, Mary Martin Tallulah Bankhead, and Harpo and Groucho Marx.

In 1962, after 10 years in New York, Milton returned to Waco to join his father Tom M. Wilson Sr. in the wholesale lumber business. Milton became very active with many different local civic groups and in 1999 was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award by the Waco Independent School District. In 1967 Milton took to the stage at the Waco Civic Theatre to once again perform the role of Danny in Emlyn Williams’ "Night Must Fall". In 1994 at the Hooper Schaefer Fine Arts Center at Baylor University, Deborah Mogford joined him in the production of "Love Letters" and once again they reprised their roles and performed "Love Letters" on Waco's Hippodrome stage in 2006. Because of his endearing friendship with Jeannette Clift George (The Hiding Place), she brought her "tour'' to Waco to very appreciative audiences to see "A Trip To Bountiful" and Waco got to see Milton on stage once again with his dear friend. KWTX interviewed Milton when another friend, Rue McClanahan (Golden Girls) came to Waco when visiting Texas for her Book tour. Milton created his own presentations for private groups. "Kisses On My Cheek" "Ladies of the Night" in which he told about some of the famous women he worked with on TV, and in the theatre or whomever had just been a part of his life.

Milton was a generous and loving man, giving of himself and his time to always offer help to people and his friends. If you were lucky enough to be his friend, then that alone was a gift. His gift of telling and sharing his unending repertoire of jokes for any and all occasions and "just because" he wanted to give you a laugh or a chuckle will definitely be missed. Later in his life, his very special friends treated him with trips to return to his old stomping grounds of New York, where he attended Broadway shows and visited old friends. Oh, how he loved and looked forward to those times and sharing them with those wonderful friends. He also looked forward to sharing those special holiday lunches and especially the "left overs" he got to bring home! As time went by and age and ailments started catching up with him, he was so fortunate to have even more caring loving friends that would come to Waco and take him out for lunch and call him to check in, no matter where their travels took them. Heartfelt thanks to all of the friends that showed their love with kindness to Milton. For those family members and friends not named, you know who you are, and Milton will be connected to you always. He loved and lived for your many phone calls and visits, especially you, "T", "K" and “J” words of thank you will never be enough.

As long as we have our memories, Thomas Milton Wilson Jr. will be with us and remain in our hearts always. Per Milton's last request----there will not be an official Memorial service or a Funeral. When his ashes are returned to Waco from Southwestern Medical School where he donated his body to science to help others, his way of giving in death as in his life, there will be a Private Burial. Milton's wishes for any memorial contributions can be sent to Compassion Ministries 1421 Austin Ave. Waco, Texas 76710 or any charity of your choice.

"It is not the length of life, but the depth of life" Ralph Waldo Emerson

Soar With The Angels Dearest One - Until We Meet Again