Carl "Ray" Wilson Sr., of Lovington, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025, at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas, at the age of 83. Ray was born on January 8, 1942, in Marked Tree, Arkansas. After childhood, his family relocated to Lovington, where he grew up with a strong sense of service and a heart for helping others. His kindness and work ethic left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Ray married the love of his life, Glenda Marie Bell, on April 19, 1976, and together they built a wonderful life. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Ray is survived by his wife: Glenda; his children: Vicki Darlene Crawford (Johnny) and Carl Ray Wilson Jr. (Cindy); five cherished grandchildren: Johnny Ray Crawford, Destiny Joy Crawford (Jett Emms), Scott Ryker Wilson, Roman Alexander Wilson, Skylar Rae Wilson, and a sixth grandbaby expected in February; four siblings: Shirley Mitchell (Earl Sr.), Jerry Wilson (Ginger), Herman Wilson (Judy); and brother-in-law: Billy Wayne Bell Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents: Darrell and Louise Wilson; father-in-law: Jerry Lee Bell Sr.; brother: Roy Wilson, brother-in-law: Earl Mitchell Sr., and son-in-law: Johnny Crawford. Ray was also deeply loved by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members who were more than just relatives--they were friends, neighbors, co-workers, customers, and an important part of the life he cherished. Ray's work journey began in 1959, at the young age of 17, when he took a job at Bell's Grocery in Lovington. Over the years, he worked at Llano Supermarket, Foodway, and eventually became Assistant Manager at Winn-Dixie. In 1978, Winn-Dixie became Bob's Thriftway. Ray spent the remainder of his 47-year career as a manager for Bob's Thriftway, where he and Glenda worked side by side before retiring in 2006. Ray loved his football team, the Dallas Cowboys, and enjoyed both watching and playing sports especially softball. He was a pitcher for Bob's Thriftway's fast-pitch softball team for many years. In his retirement, he enjoyed spending time in Ruidoso and playing cornhole with his grandkids. Ray will be remembered for his commitment to his family and friends. He worked hard and always did what he could to help others. He loved his family more than anything and was a true source of strength for them. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the nurses, doctors, and staff of Nor-Lea Hospital, Yoakum County Hospital, and Covenant Medical Center, as well as the members of Denver City EMS. Funeral arrangements will be posted at a later date.

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