Thomas Woodrow Wilson, Jr.

Funeral services for Mr. Thomas Woodrow Wilson, Jr. will begin at 2:30 PM Sunday, March 22, 2026 at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home chapel with Dr. John Temple officiating.  The Wilson Family will receive guests from 1:30 PM until 2:15 PM prior to funeral rites on Sunday. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Wilson, 83, of Enterprise, passed away Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Meridian after a period of declining health, but with his unbreakable will and enduring faith still intact.

Born in Jackson MS to Mrs. Winnie Agnes Russell Hill and Thomas Woodrow Wilson, Sr. Mr. Wilson graduated from Meridian High School in 1960 and served 7 years in the Mississippi Air National Guard. He attended Mississippi State University briefly before building a long and productive career with AT&T, which brought him to live in the New Orleans and Atlanta metropolitan areas. During this, his “first” career, Mr. Wilson earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Tulane University.

After early retirement from AT&T, Tom returned to Meridian, reinventing himself multiple times—always in service to the community. As a Social Studies teacher at Kate Griffin Jr. High School, Mr. Wilson came full circle to a school he proudly attended and where his mother served as a longtime teacher. Continuing formal studies during his “second” career as a teacher, he earned a master’s degree in counseling from Mississippi State University, using his natural discipline and intelligence to positively shape young people.

While serving as a teacher, Mr. Wilson began his “third career” working part-time with the Meridian Police Department. His dedication to the police force and community led him ultimately to transition to full time as an MPD officer in 2004 before retiring as a Corporal in late 2013. He spent his later years with his close friend, Ms. Cecille McNaughten of Meridian, and with the companionship of his beloved dog, Happy.

A member of Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church, “Mr. Tom” was well known for his sense of humor and willingness to pitch in with efforts around the community, as well as for “always looking out for the little guy.” He spent his retirement years somberly volunteering as honor guard for police funerals and also serving as a leader for the Mississippi Fraternal Order of Police.

As a man of many talents and of uncommon drive, he was also significantly complex. Many would say “you knew when he walked in the room.” Those who knew him would tell you he was a loving man, and at the same time a tough, stern, willful soul who sought renewed happiness many times in life, and who worked hard to finish life strong. He was proud of his community and proud of his faith, and he was hopeful for the promise contained in both.

Mr. Wilson’s survivors include a brother, Russell Earl Wilson of Madison, MS; a niece, Lee Ann Peoples of Halifax, North Carolina; two sons, Stephen Wilson of Fort Myers, Florida and Geoff Wilson of Spartanburg, South Carolina; and three daughters, Larissa Goodrich of Spanish Fort, Alabama, Gerri Wilson of Jackson, MS, and Morgan Elizabeth Wilson of Meridian, MS. He also is survived by 10 grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Margaret Ann Ramage.

Honorary pallbearers include a collection of Mr. Wilson’s friends and family, including his brother Russell Wilson, Rev. John Temple, Mr. Keith McCary, Geoff Wilson, and others.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Mississippi Fraternal Order of Police or to Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.