Even the gymnasium was full at St. Nicholas Church in downtown St. Louis this morning (Sat., Nov. 6) as Earl Wilson, Jr. was laid to rest. Civic leaders in every field imaginable crowded the church and its overflow of spaces to honor the founder and president emeritus of the St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation.
U.S. Wm. Lacy Clay, a cousin of the deceased, was a pallbearer. County Executive Charlie A. Dooley was present, as well as St. Louis Police Chief Daniel J. Isom and corporate executives such as Johnny Furr Jr. of Anheuser-Busch and Richard Mark of Ameren.
Alderwoman Marlene Davis read a lengthy resolution in praise of Wilson that was signed by all of the city’s 28 aldermen.
Wilson’s pastor, Father Patrick Urey Patrick Mark delivered a passionate and powerful homily describing their years of spiritual fellowship. Father Mark remembered a man he described as his mentor by his baptismal name of Joseph.
Vary rare for a homily at a funeral, Father Mark inspired a thunderous ovation when he told the mourners it is now their “spiritual responsibility” to make sure that the Gateway Classic succeeds.
However, on a solemn official occasion attended by many powerful leaders, the most touching moment was provided by a local youth.
Chloe Davis, one of the 108 students who have received gateway classic scholarships, wept as she described her debt and gratitude for the 40,000 in scholarship money that enabled her to attend Hampton University.
“His legacy continues in myself and all of the other scholars from the foundation,” Davis said. “Don’t let it die.”
