Thomas W. Wilson passed away on March 12, 2026, in Manteca, California, after a courageous battle with cancer of the tongue and neck. He was 73 years old. In a life defined by warmth, ambition, and an unwavering commitment to the people and places he loved, Tom left an extraordinary mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Tom was born on July 27, 1952, in Oakland, California, the oldest of ten children born to Waldo and Pat Nordeen Wilson. Born in the Year of the Dragon under the sign of Leo the lion, Tom came into the world with a strong personality and a fire that never dimmed. Even as a young boy, his entrepreneurial spirit was evident. In grade school Tom was running his very own comic book rental business. That early knack for seeing opportunity would define the rest of his life.
By the age of 18, Tom had already purchased his first house, a remarkable achievement that hinted at the drive and determination that would carry him through a distinguished career in real estate. He began working as a lender, a stepping-stone to realizing his dream of becoming a realtor, and he never looked back. For over 40 years, Tom dedicated himself to the profession, building Wilson Group Realtors as its broker and owner, earning the trust and respect of clients and colleagues. His accomplishments were many, serving as President of the Manteca Association of Realtors, as Region 7 Chair and Chair of the HUD Finance Committee for the California Association of Realtors. He was honored with the Distinguished Realtor Award, a recognition that surprised no one who had ever worked alongside him.
Tom poured himself into the Manteca community with the same energy and analytical mind he brought to everything. He served as President of the Manteca Rotary and as its treasurer for many years, mentored young people as an Interact Advisor, and served on the Manteca Planning Commission. He was a member of numerous community "think tanks," including the 2020 Task Force, and served as Treasurer of the Friends of the Library. He was one of the founders of the Manteca Mural Society, helping to bring art and beauty to the city he called home. For all of this and more, Tom was inducted into the Manteca Hall of Fame, an honor that reflected decades of service.
Those who knew Tom will remember that wonderful deep, radio-style voice, the one he was quietly and rightfully proud of, along with his careful diction and his clever way with words. He loved wordplay and used language to humorous effect, often catching people off guard with a perfectly timed quip. He was positive and as he said, “I never live life in the rearview mirror.” He was courteous, kind, and warm, treating every person he met with genuine respect. He was fiercely loyal and always willing to help, to share his knowledge, and to give back. He knew his principles and beliefs, and he stood by them without wavering.
Tom’s love of travel took him and his wife, Gayl, on adventures across more than 100 countries, where he relished the opportunity to meet new people and experience new cultures. Tom was a talented cook, and of course he loved eating what he made. He would invite his large family to dinners and barbecues a few times each year. His special holiday treat was baking cookies with his two beautiful granddaughters.
The greatest joy of Tom's life was his family. The birth of his daughter, Stacey, was a milestone he treasured. Tom was thrilled he was there for the birth of his first grandchild but the second one was in such a hurry to make an appearance that Mama barely made it to the hospital. He built a beautiful life with his beloved wife of 42 years, Gayl, who was his partner, his anchor, and his greatest champion.
Tom is survived by his wife, Gayl Keays Wilson; his daughter, Stacey Lopez (Jose); and granddaughters, Brooklyn and Skyler Lopez of Elk Grove; his brothers Jim (Mika) Wilson, John Wilson, Allan Wilson, Dave Wilson, and Matt Wilson; and his sisters Mary (Bob) Wilson-Bremer and Joanie (Mike) Vick and his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Waldo VanArsdale Wilson and Patricia Beth Nordeen Wilson; his sister Donna Qutermous and his brother Mickey Wilson.
A graveside service will be held at East Union Cemetery in Manteca at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 16, officiated by Jeanne Pollard and Jay Holmes. A reception will follow at 12:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Fellowship Hall, 910 E. North St., Manteca.
As Winnie the Pooh once said, "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." Tom gave us all that something, and we are the luckier for it.
Remembrances may be made to Soroptimist International of Manteca, PO Box 218, Manteca, CA 95336; Manteca Mural Society, PO Box 1666, Manteca, CA 95336; or the charity of your choice.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, March 28, 2026
