OBITUARIES

Thomas Earl Wilson, 73, transitioned peacefully on the afternoon of Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 5:20 p.m. He was born on May 8, 1952, in Dixon, North Carolina, to Queen Esther Wilson (2009) and Leroy White, and was one of eleven children.

After spending his early childhood in North Carolina, Thomas Earl moved with his family to Newburgh, NY, in 1958. He began working at age 13 and had one of the largest paper routes in Newburgh. He attended Newburgh Free Academy, graduating in 1973, and quickly became known as one of the best-dressed young men in the school, a reputation that followed him throughout his life. While attending high school, he served as a student security guard. His desire to protect began early.

A man of many talents and an impressive work ethic, Thomas Earl operated McClearan’s House of Fashion for Men, which further fueled his lifelong passion for style. Over the years, he worked for IBM, C&D Technologies, Yellow Freight, and served as a chauffeur for Newburgh Banana, Finkelstein & Levine, and his cousin’s Al Limousine Service out of Queens, NY. Together with his brother Herman, they proudly opened and operated Wilson's Restaurant.

Thomas Earl grew up in the loving community of the Best Temple family, where the late Rev. Dr. James L. Best and his wife, Eddie B. Best, whom he affectionately called Mother Best, were mother and father figures in his life. He faithfully attended Best Temple Church and provided chauffeuring services to Rev. Dr. Best for many years. Thomas Earl frequently visited the Best family home, where he often enjoyed Mother Best's homemade chocolate chip cookies. The Best family was an extension of his own, and he loved them genuinely. Many believed Thomas Earl would have one day been a preacher. One thing is for sure: he loved the Lord.

Vibrant, talented, and full of life, Thomas Earl had many passions. He excelled at bowling, pool, and martial arts. He adored Pontiac Bonneville cars, enjoyed professional photography, and was known for his delicious spaghetti and meatballs, which he often cooked weekly for his family. Italian food was his true favorite. He also had a deep love for seafood, with his favorite dish being zuppa di pesce from Vesuvious. And one thing for certain, you could always smell him coming, wearing two bold colognes at the same time, a signature that was undeniably “Thomas Earl.”

He was generous to his core. If anyone needed a ride, day or night, Thomas Earl would stop what he was doing and take them wherever they needed to go. Helping others was simply who he was.

Thomas Earl had a bold presence, a deep-toned voice, and a confidence that filled every room. He was sharp, stylish, and truly his own man. His love for his family, his siblings, children, nieces, nephews, and extended loved ones was extraordinary. His bond with them was the foundation of his life.

Thomas Earl married his high-school sweetheart, Belinda Harding, and they had two beautiful girls that they shared.

Thomas Earl leaves to cherish his memory his son Jerome Newkirk of Raleigh, NC, and his daughters Tomesha E. Wilson (Timothy Page) and his beloved daughter Patrice Nichole Wilson (predeceased 2024), both of Newburgh, NY. He is survived by his sisters Emma L. Johnson (Samuel Allen Johnson) of Newburgh, NY, and Debra Borden-White (Larry White) of Newburgh, NY, and his brothers Marshall Wilson of Clarksville, TN, and Bishop John R. Borden (Cassandra Dale Borden) of Newburgh, NY. He also leaves behind a large circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whom he loved, cherished, and protected deeply. He was very close to his nieces and nephews and maintained a special bond with them.

Thomas Earl was a proud father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He adored his two daughters and raised them like little princesses, personally delivering them a hot lunch every single day from kindergarten through ninth grade. He only stopped because, at their request, they didn’t want their dad delivering food once they reached high school; they were “too big” for that. His love for his girls was limitless, and the loss of his youngest daughter, Patrice, broke his heart in a way he carried for the rest of his life.

Thomas Earl fought until the very end with remarkable strength, courage, and will. His presence will be profoundly missed, and his legacy of love, generosity, and unmistakable style will live on forever. We will love you forever!