Don R. "Randy" Wilson III

Don R “Randy” Wilson III, 77, of Abilene, Texas, passed away on August 4, 2024 in Austin, Texas.

Randy was born in Denton, Texas to Don R Wilson Jr and Betty Gaye Wilson on February 22, 1947. His early years were spent in Denton, Texas, Jacksonville, Florida and Dothan, Alabama. In 1953 his family moved to Abilene, Texas, where he attended school and graduated from Abilene High School. Randy attended Baylor University, where he met his wife, JoAnn Robbins, and they married on May 6, 1966. Following his undergraduate studies, Randy attended and graduated from Baylor School of Law in Waco, Texas. Randy then pursued his career as an attorney in various cities in Texas – Abilene, Dallas, and Houston and returned to Abilene in August of 1975. Randy continued practicing law in Abilene for the next 48 years. Although his practice was in Abilene, he represented clients across the state of Texas.

 In addition to assisting people with their legal issues, Randy enjoyed educating other attorneys. He was a former professor at McMurry University teaching business law, spoke at Criminal Defense Skills Courses, and was an active faculty member of the Criminal Trial Advocacy Institute in Huntsville, Texas, for 30 years. Dedicated to his career, he also held many board and chair positions for Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Institute, Criminal Justice Section of the State Board of Texas, and Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association. He also hosted and sponsored a weekly local radio show called “You And the Law” for several years.

 Randy also supported his community with involvement in the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra; Deacon, Elder and Trustee at First Central Presbyterian Church; Boy’s Club of Abilene, Dixie Little League, Abilene Community Theater; and Historic Paramount Theaters just to name a few.

 Randy was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn Robbins Wilson, and his parents Don R Wilson Jr and Bettye Gaye Wilson. 

 Randy is survived by his daughter Tami Burton and her husband “Chip” Burton, their two children Blake and Drew Burton all of Cedar Park, Texas; Randy’s son, Robbie Wilson, his wife, Emily, and their two sons, Colt and Maverick Wilson of Ross, California; his brother Bobby Wilson; and his sister Fredda Benton.

Respecting the final wishes of Randy, a private family memorial service will be held in lieu of a funeral.

 Randy requested that memorials in his name be sent to Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Educational Institute, 6808 Hill Meadow Drive, Austin, Texas 78736.

 The family of Randy Wilson wishes to extend our sincere thanks to all of the special people that were supportive of him, his interests and his family over this past year. We will never be able to thank you enough.