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His years in law enforcement earned him the respect and friendship of many, and to those who knew him through the department, he was often simply known as "Bear."

Harold Alan Wilson, Jr., affectionately known as "Al" and "Bear", departed this life on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the age of 78. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service of Sand Springs.

Al was born on December 8, 1947, on Parris Island, South Carolina, at the Marine Corps base where his father was stationed. He was the son of Harold Alan Wilson and Annie May (Morris) Wilson. With his mother serving in the Navy and his father retiring from the United States Marine Corps, Al's childhood was filled with adventure as the family moved throughout the United States. Eventually, they settled in Bossier City, Louisiana, where he attended junior high school and graduated from Airline High School. He loved Tensas Parish and always considered it home.

An athlete during his high school years, Al played football and continued his education at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana, where he majored in history and earned his bachelor's degree in education. He was also a proud member of the Sigma Pi fraternity, where he made friendships and memories that would last a lifetime. It was during his sophomore year at Louisiana Tech that he met the love of his life, Connie "Donita" Ford. The two dated throughout college and were married on July 12, 1969, at Donita's parents' home in St. Joseph, Louisiana. Their love story spanned 59 years of knowing one another and 57 years of marriage, a testament to a lifetime of love, friendship, and devotion.

During the Vietnam era, Al was drafted into the United States Army and served as a Military Police officer stationed at West Point, New York. Following his military service, with his parents living in the Tulsa area, Al and Donita made their way to Oklahoma after he was encouraged to apply to the Tulsa Police Department. It was the beginning of a distinguished career in law enforcement and a community where they would build their life together.

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One of his greatest passions was Ducks Unlimited, where he and Donita spent countless hours supporting its mission, often with their children right beside them.

Al proudly served the Tulsa Police Department for 30 years, retiring with the rank of Corporal. He then continued his commitment to public service with the Tulsa County Sheriff's Department for another 10 years. His years in law enforcement earned him the respect and friendship of many, and to those who knew him through the department, he was often simply known as "Bear." Standing six feet, five inches tall, he certainly lived up to the nickname, which was given to him during the police academy. He was also an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police.

Al was a joiner in every sense of the word. He loved being involved, meeting people, building friendships, and giving his time to organizations and causes that mattered to him. One of his greatest passions was Ducks Unlimited. Over the years, he served as Oklahoma State Chairman as well as Chairman of the Sand Springs chapter. His dedication to the organization extended well beyond meetings and events. He and Donita spent countless hours supporting its mission, often with their children right beside them. Through Ducks Unlimited, they traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada, making wonderful memories and lifelong friendships along the way.

Al was also deeply involved in Freemasonry. A 33rd-degree Mason, he served as Worshipful Master and was a proud member of Sand Springs Masonic Lodge #475, A.F. & A.M. He was also a Shriner and took great pride in supporting Shriners Children's Hospital. Helping children and supporting the hospital's mission was especially meaningful to him.

His interests were as big and varied as his personality. Al loved hunting, fishing, sports, and collecting just about anything that caught his eye. Among his treasured collections were outdoor artwork, baseball cards, and duck decoys. A devoted Dallas Cowboys fan, he enjoyed following his team, although his enthusiasm for sports was matched only by his love of a good story. Al was a natural storyteller who could keep a room entertained with tales from his many years of experiences. He was an avid reader with a particular love for history and maintained an extensive personal library. He also enjoyed a good war movie or western, especially anything starring John Wayne.

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Al was a natural storyteller who could keep a room entertained with tales from his many years of experiences.

Al's love of people was perhaps his greatest defining characteristic. He was gregarious, outgoing, and never met a stranger. He could walk into a room and strike up a conversation with someone he had never met, and before long, they would feel as though they had known him for years. He had a big personality, a generous spirit, and a way of making people feel welcome. Whether sharing stories, laughing with friends, traveling with Donita, or spending time with family, Al was happiest when surrounded by people.

He also enjoyed giving back to his community, including coaching Pee-Wee football for his son. Education and learning remained important throughout his life. In addition to his bachelor's degree from Louisiana Tech, he earned an associate degree from Oklahoma State University, another associate degree from the University of Tulsa, and an additional degree from Tulsa Junior College. His lifelong love of reading and history reflected a curious mind that was always eager to learn something new.

Above all, Al loved his family, his friends, and the life he had built. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories, adventures, friendships, and memories that will continue to be shared for generations. Those who knew him will remember his unmistakable presence, his towering stature, his quick conversation, and the unmistakable personality that made him simply unforgettable.

Al was preceded in death by his children, Bradford Alan Wilson and Elizabeth Wilson; and his parents.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Donita; his grandchildren: Steven Nicholas Wilson, and Kaytelynn Renee Wilson; along with extended family members, countless friends, and the many people whose lives he touched throughout his years.

A quiet family service will be held at one of Al's favorite places, Tensas Parish, Louisiana, a fitting tribute to a man who found so much joy in the places, people, and experiences that made up his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Shriners Children's Hospital, an organization and cause that held a special place in Al's heart.

Al lived a big life, loved people wholeheartedly, and never passed up an opportunity to make a new friend or share a good story. His boots may be still, but the stories of Bear Wilson will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.