Harold Dean Wilcox

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Harold Dean Wilcox, 77, passed away Friday, March 10, 2023 after a four-month battle with pancreatic
cancer. Harold was born in Bald Knob, AR to Reverend and Mrs. James Wilcox. His father pastored
several churches in Central Arkansas that eventually led them to Jonesboro in 1961. In 1962, Harold
participated in the Fitness Challenge issued by President JFK, walking 50 miles from Jonesboro to
Newport. After graduating from Jonesboro High School in 1963, he attended Central Baptist College in
Conway for two years. He was a member of the Hurricane Choir and Central Baptist College Choir.
Harold retired from General Electric. His love of music continued into his retirement; sounds of choirs,
quartets, and classical music were a constant in his office as he worked on genealogy. He loved telling
the grandchildren about “all night” monopoly games in college, hitchhiking from Conway to North Little
Rock, and genealogy. His stories never failed to stir the grandchildren’s imaginations.

From his late teens until his illness, working on genealogy was his passion (Matthew 1:1 The record of
the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham). During our pandemic
confinement, he came upon a jewel of information. His 18 th great-grandfather was burned at the stake
for professing Christ in the mid 1500’s during the reign of Bloody Mary. Each fall Harold loved picking up
pecans for our family to enjoy in the coming year. He was picking up pecans when he fell ill in
November 2022.

Harold loved his family fiercely and constantly showed his love by his actions and hard work. He is
preceded in death by his parents, one brother Tim Wilcox, and his in-laws Hugh and Wilma Heath.
Survivors include the love of his life and wife of 56 years and 344 days, Brenda Heath Wilcox, sons Lance
(Michelle) and daughters Lauren and Blair, Todd (Lindsey) and sons Heath (Karin) and Seth. One
brother, Carroll Wilcox (Cheryl). His beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews (Render, Dobbs, & Chambers

families) and friends at Central Baptist Church where he was a member, as well as many friends at the
library where he spent many hours doing research.

Arrangements will be at Emerson Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 with Dr. Archie Mason
delivering the service and Don Blackmore presenting the Eulogy. Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 pm
with the funeral service following at 2:00. Burial will proceed at Jonesboro Memorial Park.

Honored to serve as Pallbearers: Heath Wilcox, Seth Wilcox, Chad Render, Joel Dobbs, Dr. Logan Lynch,
Cornelius Cleary.

Memorials may be made to:
Purple Pansies Pancreatic Cancer Organization
1595 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 204-360
Cumming, GA 30041

Harold was a “Child of the King” where he is now at peace resting in our savior’s arms - no more cancer-
no more tears - no more parting….