Final Word- WILSON
Words by Jim Keeton | Image by Ryan McGill
Wilson is a name recognized nationally and in more than 100 countries for excellence in sporting goods since 1914.
Closer to home, in the Curry community, the Wilson name carries another kind of weight. Here, it represents hard work, integrity, and good citizenship and is a name tied to athletic excellence and forged through natural talent, discipline, and a deep commitment to others.
James and Inez Wilson raised six sons and two daughters with a foundation built on biblical principles, a strong work ethic, and the expectation that their children would make a positive impact on society. Their values shaped a local legacy of compassion, leadership, and service. That legacy lives on in many forms. From a bank vice president to schoolteachers to insurance agents known for putting people above policy, the Wilson family left a lasting “we care” imprint on the community.
Three of the Wilson brothers — Ray, Troy, and Wayne — helped establish Curry’s reputation in basketball, including a memorable runner-up finish in the 1967 state tournament. Then came Roger, the youngest, who elevated the Wilson name even further into Curry's athletic lore.
Roger Wilson was a three-year starter in basketball, football, and baseball. On the court, he averaged more than 20 points per game beginning his sophomore year. During his senior season (1969–70), he was named co-MVP of the Walker County Basketball Tournament, which Curry won after defeating perennial powerhouse Walker High.
Roger earned first-team All-State honors in football, basketball, and baseball. He played in the North-South All-Star football and baseball games and was named all-county and all-conference in all three major sports. He also claimed first place in both the 100-yard dash and triple jump at the county track meet.
The triple jump win is the stuff of local legend. Walker High’s Vince Medlock, then the reigning triple jump record holder, was expected to win unopposed until Walker Coach Pat Morrison approached Roger.
“We had Vince, who had never been beaten in the event, and no one to compete with him,” Morrison recalled. “I knew Roger was a tremendous athlete, so I asked if he’d enter. He told me he didn’t even know what the triple jump was. I said, ‘I’ll show you,’ and we spent about 15 minutes going over the basics. Then he enters and beats Vince. Roger was special.”
At the time, University of South Alabama basketball coach Jimmy Taylor called Roger Wilson “the best athlete in the state of Alabama” in an interview with a local sports editor. Though heavily recruited by Taylor, Roger chose to stay closer to home. He signed with Coach Glen Clem at Walker College, then continued his playing career at St. Bernard in Cullman alongside high school teammate Eugene Abbott. Roger was later inducted into the Walker County Sports Hall of Fame. He stayed connected to sports as a basketball official for more than 30 years, including a decade officiating at the junior college level.
Off the court, Roger’s dedication to community mirrors the values he was raised with. He’s a deacon at Sixth Avenue Church of Christ in Jasper, a past president of the Kiwanis Club, a former board member of Jasper Parks and Recreation, and currently serves on the Jasper Civil Service Board. Even while managing his State Farm agency of 45 years, Roger still makes time for his favorite pastimes: pickleball, camping, and golfing with close friends. He and his wife, Janet, enjoy traveling — especially to visit family in Florence or Atlanta.
You’ll still spot Roger in the bleachers at local sporting events, where he’s a familiar and supportive face.
When asked his favorite teams to watch, Roger smiled and said without hesitation: “Whatever teams the grandchildren are on.”
Wilson- A brand name. A sports name. A good name. 78