Herbert Vernon Wilson

Herbert Vernon Wilson, 83, of Leachville died Sunday, June 28, 2009, at his home. Born at Leachville, he was the son of the late Robert and Lomay Wilson and was a lifelong Leachville resident. He was a retired carpenter and was the first hired to construct the Brown Shoe Factory in Leachville. Mr. Wilson loved playing guitar, singing and writing gospel songs. He was a member of the Second Baptist Church and was a Marine Corps veteran of World War II.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Steve Wilson, in 1971; six brothers; and three sisters.

He leaves his wife of 62 years, Arvale Taylor Wilson of the home; three daughters, Dorothy Goforth and her husband, Bill, of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Joyce Northington and her husband, Dickie, of Pine Bluff, and Lavada Gillen and her husband, Bob, of Jonesboro; two brothers, Hubert Wilson of Farmington, Mo., and Hershel Wilson of Missouri; three sisters, Josie Carter and Edith Butler, both of Missouri, and Brenda Morris of Jonesboro; 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Leachville with Rev. David Price officiating. Burial was in Leachville Cemetery. The family received visitors Tuesday from 12:30 p.m. until time of service.

Friends may also sign the guest register at howardfuneralservice.com.