Carroll Arlen Wilson, known to all as Arlen, passed peacefully on April 25, 2026, in Richardson, Texas, at the age of 84. He was born on February 27, 1942, in Whiteside, Tennessee, to his loving parents, Charles Wilson and Barbara (Prince) Wilson.
Arlen, who was the second of 5 children, grew up in the Tennessee mountains surrounded by his large family which included his four siblings, countless cousins and lifelong friends. He was known to barrel down those mountain roads like one of the boys from The Dukes of Hazzard, and he carried that same spirited energy into his work, becoming one of the youngest meat managers at M&J Supermarket, where he worked for several years.
Everything changed when a young woman named Lynda Sue Willis passed through on a road trip. From the very beginning, they both knew it was true love. They married on April 4, 1981 in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, and over the next forty-plus years they were not only husband and wife but constant companions and business partners — working side by side every single day. They had their ups and downs, as any long marriage does, but their love never wavered. As Lynda was passing, Arlen asked her to wait for him in the spirit world, and the family took comfort in believing she was right there to greet him when his time came.
In 1982, Arlen and Lynda opened The Plant Market, starting out on the side of the road in Florida selling tropical plants before bringing the business to North Dallas. For 43 years, Arlen expanded it well beyond tropical — growing his own bedding plants and taking on landscaping work in clients’ yards. Pansies were one of his favorites to grow and sell. You could always find him at the store, in his greenhouses, or out working on a customer’s landscape, doing what he loved and turning customers into friends along the way.
Arlen and Lynda were true night owls who loved their friends and loved having people around. After a hard day’s work, you could often catch the two of them snoozing side by side in their recliners, but on weekends they came alive — staying up late with friends, hosting dinners, and savoring long evenings of good food and easy conversation. Lynda would sleep in the next morning, but Arlen was almost always up early, slipping out to check on the greenhouses before the day got going.
Arlen had a true passion for baking and music, and both became even greater sources of comfort to him after Lynda passed. He was especially known for his cakes, muffins, and cornbread. Prior to his passing, he was perfecting his biscuit recipe. It was safe to say that the kitchen and a good song, could carry him through almost any day. And from time to time, he also enjoyed a quick trip to the casino to try his luck at the slot machines.
Arlen was a devoted NASCAR fan and would cheer on his favorite drivers, Tony Stewart, Brad Keselowski, Clint Bowyer, and Chase Elliott each Sunday during race season. He loved gathering with loved ones for lively game nights, with poker and dominoes among his favorites. He and Lynda also loved cruising together with friends, where he could relax, explore new places, and enjoy good company (along with the slot machines).
Above all, Arlen lived for the people he loved. He put Lynda and children first in everything, making sure they were taken care of long before himself. When asked what he wanted for his birthday or Christmas, his answer was always the same: peace and quiet. He never met a stranger, and his warmth, humor, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone who crossed his path. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his memory will live on in the many lives he touched.
Arlen is survived by his children: daughter, Vivian Wilson of Fort Payne, Alabama; son, Kevin Wilson of Denison, Texas; daughter, Candace Rountree of Gainesville, Texas; and daughter, Ashley Covert and her husband, Travis, of McKinney, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Richard Sphar, Wynonah Wilson, Billy Joe Wilson, Kayla Rountree, Christian Rountree, Colton Rowell, Grayson Covert, Camden Covert, and Winston Covert; his sister, Linda Tudors; his brother, Jerry Wilson; and a host of family members and friends, who will miss him dearly and forever cherish his memory.
Arlen was preceded in death by his wife, Lynda Sue Wilson; his parents, Charles and Barbara Wilson; his daughter, Antoinette “Toni” Wilson; his brother, Charles Allen Wilson; his sister, Gwendolyn Reeves; and his grandsons, Toma Wilson and Beckham Covert.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be live streamed at the following link:https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/carroll-arlen-wilson, where the recording will remain available for later viewing. Following the funeral, a procession will make its way to Ridgeview Memorial Park for a committal service.
The family will receive guests during a visitation from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the funeral home.