Joseph Dennis Wilson, Sr.

Joseph Dennis Wilson, Sr., affectionately known as "Joe" and self-nicknamed, Joseph Bull Elk Wilson, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 1, 2015, at his home in McNary, Navajo County, Arizona following a lengthy illness. He was 46 years old. Joe was born on a Sunday, December 22, 1968, in Phoenix, Arizona to his parents the late Calvin Dennis and Abigail (Tortice) Wilson. Joe was a member of the 1987 Graduating Class from Blue Ridge High School in Lakeside. He later attended Scottsdale Community College where he played on their basketball team as an artichoke. In his younger years, Joe loved to go hunting with family and friends and always enjoyed a quiet day fishing on the lake. Also, he was the #1 fan, his entire life, for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Joe was one to never spend his time idly. His favorite times were spent outside, usually doing something for someone else. He loved to cut wood on "No Telling Ridge" and taking long drives into the wilderness. He always looked forward to making special visits to his large family and many friends. Countless were the hours that he spent grilling for his family and friends for various events throughout his life. Joe also enjoyed working on cars and could fix just about anything mechanically. Joe was a culinary master. For 15 years, he worked as the Executive Chef for HonDah Resort and Casino. His professional expertise and delicious dishes will be missed by the communities of the White Mountains. When able, Joe also enjoyed a good stroll through the casino, trying his luck at gambling. This incredible, dynamic man will be missed by hundreds whom have had the privilege to call him: husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. Joe is survived by his wife, Sheela Ann (Carroll) Wilson of McNary, Arizona; 4 children: Christy Wilson, Autumn De Valentino, Faith Wilson, Joseph Wilson, Jr; 1 stepson, Martel Perez; his mother, Abigail Wilson all of McNary, Arizona and by his sister, Maria (Frank) Naranjo of HonDah, Arizona. Joe is also survived by many other relatives and friends whom will miss him a great deal. Joe will be brought back to his home, 404 Oak Street in McNary for a 2 day & night wake beginning 10:00 A.M., Sunday, September 6, 2015. The funeral service will begin 1:00 P.M., Tuesday, September 8, 2015, at the Buck Springs Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4075 Buck Springs Road in Pinetop, Arizona. All Council members, Church leaders and choirs are invited to attend the services. The concluding service and interment will immediately follow at the Ponderosa Pine Cemetery in McNary. The Wilson family is thankful for the outpouring of love and support they have received from their communities through the expressions of sympathies they have received and are especially grateful for the many countless prayers that have been offered up on their behalf.