IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Ronnie James
Wilson
April 7, 1948 – November 2, 2021
**Services will be live streamed via our FACEBOOK PAGE: Biglow Funerals Inc.***
***The "Live" will begin at Approx 10:50AM***
https://www.facebook.com/Biglow-Funerals-Inc-365029870361957/
Born April 7, 1948, outside of Olustee , Okla., Ronnie James Wilson was the first-born son of Reverend Oscar Wilson and Irma D. Collins-Wilson (both who preceded him in death).
Ronnie confessed Christ at an early a ge and was baptized in his father's church. Ronnie spent his formative years in Tulsa, Okla. He attended Dunbar elementary school, Carver Jr. High, and Booker T. Washington High School, graduating with the class of 1966. Ronnie fell in love with music earl y and had dreams of becoming a musician, singer, songwriter and above all, an orchestrator. He began developing his talent early, starting his first group while in junior high school with childhood friends Billy Coleman and Fred Moore. This group was calle d "The New Imperials". Ronnie later showcased his musical talents serving as first chair trumpet player and drum major for Booker T. Washington's high-stepping T-connection marching band under the direction of Mr. Clyde Yeldell . After graduating high schoo l Ronnie continued his education and enrolled in University of Oklahoma in the fall of 1966. He joined the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band and was a charter member of the Zeta Zeta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
After completing his first year of college, Ronnie married Priscilla Griffin, and to this union, three sons were born, Andre', Brian and Casey Wilson. He continued to pursue his musical career, playing with several local bands. Ultimately Ronnie founded his own band, initially calling it "The Greenwood Archer and Pine Street Band," and later shortening the name to "The G.A.P. Band".
Eventually the G.A.P. Band evolved to include Ronnie, and his two brothers Charlie and Robert. The group rose to fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s, opening for entertainers such as Leon Russell and The Rolling Stones. The Gap Band released over 30 albums, including their debut album Magicians Holiday , in 1974, with several other albums reaching platinum level status. The band produced a number of hit songs such as "You dropped the Bomb on Me," "Burn Rubber On Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)," and "Outstanding". As an accomplished songwriter, Ronnie wrote lyrics for several hits of the group such as "I Don't Believe You Want to Get Up and Dance (Oops! )
(1979), "I'm in Love" (1979) and "Yearning For Your Love" (1980). He enjoyed success with his brothers and their band until the late 80's.
In the early 90's, Ronnie was called to a life of ministry. He attended Christian Bible Institute & Seminary receivi ng a Doctor of Divinity degree in Theology/Theological Studies. He served as Minister of Worship at Community Bible Church in San Antonio, Tx. In 2010 he reconnected with Linda Boulware, a high school friend, and after a whirlwind courtship, they married F eb. 04, 2011. Ronnie continued his ministry until his health failed.
Meeting him at heaven's gate will be his parents, Oscar and Irma Wilson, sister Priscilla Wilson, his baby brother Robert Lynn Wilson and other loving family and friends.
Remembering Ro nnie's life and legacy are his wife, Linda Boulware-Wilson; his children Andre, Brian and Casey; nine grandchildren, Anyia , Donovan, Jerran, Bejon , Talea , Kyla, Tylen , Cynai , and Casey Jr.; two sisters Loretta Wilson Drew, (Oklahoma), Darla King, (Californ ia); two brothers Charles ( Mahin ) Wilson (California), and Claven (Sharice) Wilson (California); and a host of loving nephews, nieces, cousins, and extended family members.
Services for Mr. Wilson will be Wednesday November 10, 2021 at 11AM at The Historic Vernon AME Chapel at 311 N. Greenwood Avenue in the Heart of Black Wall Street.
The public will be allowed to sign the Guest Book for Mr. Wilson and arrange for floral deliveries on Tuesday November 9, 2021 from 10AM until 3PM in the Tulsa Chapel.
Visitation
Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc. Tulsa
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
The Celebratory Service
Vernon A.M.E. Church
Starts at 11:00 am
Visits: 4
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