Steven A. Wilson

"I'M HERE! We can get started now! Jesus, I’ve waited a lifetime to be in your presence. And sweetheart, scoot over. We’ve got some catching up to do, and an eternity just might be long enough!” - Steve Wilson upon arrival in heaven — not a verified quote, but a very believable one. 

Steven Arlis Wilson, age 75, passed away on November 6, 2026. He was born December 8, 1950 in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late Arlis “Jack” Wilson and his bride, Meredith Wilson Hopper(nee Johnson). Steve is survived by his mother, Meredith Hopper; two sons, Trevor (Lorie) Wilson and Kyle (Shanna) Wilson; one daughter, Casey (David) Stephens; and ten grandchildren, Kayla Jeffries, Charlie (Mikaela) Jeffries, Andrew Jeffries, Parker Wilson, Olivia Wilson, Emma Wilson, Callie Stephens, Reagan Stephens, Candler Stephens, and Cadence Stephens. Steve was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 47 years, Barbara Lynn Wilson, the love of his life. Steve’s life was defined by his faith, family and ministry. Though he accepted Christ as a child, it was in his early twenties that he felt the Lord’s call to ministry. He began serving with the teens at Memorial Baptist Church, carrying a deep burden for the words of Romans 10:14: 

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” 

Those words became a driving force in Steve’s life and ministry. He went on to devote more than 30 years to pastoral ministry, faithfully shepherding congregations at Fincastle Baptist, Memorial Baptist, and Freedom Memorial Baptist Churches. 

In his later years, Steve found another meaningful avenue for sharing his faith through music. He began singing with the Southern Gospel group River City Quartet and later formed several groups of his own, including Ohio Valley Boys, Work in Progress, and most recently, Ephesians 5:19.

Throughout his years of ministry, Steve found countless ways to serve the Lord, often in ways that happened behind the scenes. Whether playing for and coaching the church softball team, participating in Christmas plays, leading seasonal cantatas, organizing citywide tract blitzes to share the Gospel, or assisting with church finances, he was always willing to step in wherever he was needed. Much of what he did may never be recognized this side of Heaven, but Steve understood that no job was too big or too small when it came to serving God's kingdom. Serving the Lord wasn't simply a part of his life; it was the very mission by which he lived. 

Steve's love for music and his passion for sharing the Gospel also extended beyond the walls of the local church. He participated in regional conferences, helping train and equip future music ministers while encouraging them in their own callings. He had a particular passion for preserving and passing along the tradition of Southern Gospel music to the current generation and those yet to come. That passion led him to become a founding member of the Greater Cincinnati Southern Gospel Music Association, where he also faithfully served as president for many years. For Steve, music was more than a gift or a hobby; it was another opportunity to share the message of Christ and leave a lasting legacy of faith. 

And as if all of this weren't already evidence of a life lived to the fullest for God's glory, Steve added yet another chapter to his ministry in his final four years. During that time, he authored and published three books. Though each was unique in its subject and message, all shared the same underlying purpose: to share the love of Christ and point others to Him. Even in his final years, Steve continued to find new ways to spread the Gospel, never losing sight of the calling that had shaped his life from the beginning. 

Second only to his love for the Lord was Steve’s love for his family. For 47 years, he and his beloved wife, Barb, shared a marriage that reflected their faith and served as a beautiful example of biblical love and commitment for their children and grandchildren. They treasured the life they built together, whether traveling, singing praises to Jesus, enjoying a date night at the latest movie, sharing a meal out, or sitting front and center to cheer on their grandchildren in all their many endeavors. To his grandchildren, Steve was simply the world's best Papaw. He will be forever fondly remembered for his finger people, belly seat, 1-2-3 hugs, story times, corny jokes, spontaneous runs for treats, teaching them to drive, special Papaw days, football watching, southern gospel concert going, and so many other little traditions that made memories to last a lifetime. But beyond all the fun, Steve was intentional about making every moment count. Whether through everyday conversations, words of encouragement, or a little wisdom tucked into the simplest of moments, he was always looking for opportunities to point his grandchildren toward the Lord. He made them laugh, made them feel loved, and, most importantly, made sure they knew the importance of walking with Jesus. 

It can truly be said that Steve ran his race well here on earth, living his life for the glory of God. Through seasons of joy and laughter, sorrow and hardship, and a lifetime of love, he exemplified the heart behind these words: 

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything You gave me.’” 

A visitation will be held Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at Hilltop Baptist Church 2425, Mack Road, Fairfield, from 9:00AM to 11:00PM with a funeral service at 11:00. Burial will follow at Arlington Memorial Gardens. THE WEBSTER FUNERAL HOME, Fairfield is serving the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Community Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund in honor of Steve's life and legacy.