William Chad Wilson

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” - 2 Timothy 4:7

William Chad Wilson was a friend to all and never met a stranger. He would quickly ask someone where they were from and soon figure out mutual friends or acquaintances, making everyone he met feel at ease. Born in Lufkin, Texas, on February 14, 1977, to Carl and Marianne Wilson, Chad graduated from Lufkin High School in 1995. He then joined the Marine Corps and served from 1995 through 1999. Following 9/11, he was recalled to active duty and continued his service at Cherry Point in North Carolina.

After his military service, Chad went on to pursue a career in law enforcement and served with the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department, Lufkin Police Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety. He was a proud Texas State Trooper until he retired from the department in September 2025.

Chad was pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, where he consistently earned a place on the Dean’s and Presidential Lists at East Texas A&M University. He was scheduled to graduate in December 2025.

More than anything, Chad was dedicated to his friends and family. He was a loving husband and father to his three children. His love and leadership helped shape his family, along with his consistently positive attitude. Despite ongoing health challenges, Chad’s positivity never wavered. He met every challenge with grit and grace, often stating his favorite saying, “Ain’t no step for a stepper!”

Chad’s faith in Jesus Christ carried him through life’s hardest moments. We take comfort in knowing that he is now healed and whole in the presence of our Lord and Savior. Chad, we will love you forever. To God be the glory.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Jill, his children, Karli, Levi, and Luke, all of College Station; his mother- and father-in-law, Linda and Bill Havard of College Station; his sister and brother-in-law, April and Don Arnold of Lufkin; his stepfather, Mel Schmidt of Lufkin; niece, Kinley Easley of Tyler; nephew, Donovan Arnold of Lufkin; his brother-in-law and his wife, Chad Bonner and Anna Hamburg-Gal of Chicago, Illinois; and special family members, Scott, Kristy, and Sara Fancher of Conroe, Texas.

He will be deeply missed by his many lifelong friends, including Joshua Senn, Jim Ross Warren, David Flowers, Letney Head, Brayden McDaniel, Desmond Darden, Keith Wayne Gaston, Joe Wood, Rodney Tucker, and his brothers of the Department of Public Safety. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Chad’s DPS family - you have stood by us and honored Chad as the brother he was to you all. Thank you, Lieutenant Juan Spivey, for your steadfast support.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a memorial account established for Chad’s children to support their education and college endeavors at Truist Bank, 711 University Dr., Suite 300, College Station, Texas 77840.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 14th, at Highway Baptist Church in Huntington, Texas. Service to follow at 2:00 p.m.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.