Hundreds gathered together Friday to say goodbye to a beloved family of three who tragically lost their lives during the devastating flooding in Kerrville over the Fourth of July weekend.
Funeral services for Jeff and Amber Wilson and their 12-year-old son, Shiloh, known to many as “Stingray,” was held at 1 p.m. at the Humble Civic Center, located at 8233 Will Clayton Parkway.
The Wilsons were well known throughout the Humble and Kingwood areas.
Known fondly as the “Wilson 3,” the family had traveled to the Hill Country for Shiloh’s rodeo competition when early-morning floodwaters from the Guadalupe River tore through their campsite.
Jeff Wilson spent more than 30 years as an educator in Humble ISD, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students. Friends describe Amber as the heart of the family, devoted to her loved ones and her community. Their son Shiloh was a decorated rodeo competitor with a passion for the sport and a bright future ahead.
The family went missing after being swept away by rising floodwaters in Kerrville earlier this month. The rising waters separated them, and their bodies were recovered days apart — a heartbreaking delay that left the community anxiously hoping for miracles.
Jeff and Amber’s bodies were recovered first, followed by the discovery of Shiloh’s days later.
Hundreds gathered as law enforcement and the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office escorted Shiloh’s body from Kerrville to Kingwood Funeral Home.
The memorial service painted a touching picture of a tightly bonded family. From baby photos to rodeo victories, slideshow images told the story of a life filled with love, adventure, and deep-rooted faith.
“Three members of a family transitioned from this life, as their loving and generous hearts rested,” one speaker shared during the service. “For Jeff at the age of 55, for Amber at 45, and for young Shiloh — just 12 years old.”
Attendees were visibly moved when family members recalled moments that exemplified the strength of the Wilsons’ bond — including how Shiloh, nicknamed “Stingray” in the rodeo circuit, never climbed on a horse without first telling his dad, “I love you.” Jeff always replied, “I love you back, son.”
A cowboy with two bibles
During the search, rescuers discovered Shiloh’s rodeo trunk nearly 13 miles from the campsite. But what was inside brought both surprise and comfort: two Bibles.
“Now remember — this was a 12-year-old boy, a rodeo guy, a world champ,” one pastor said. “And instead of only tack or cowboy gear, he carried two Bibles. He took them everywhere.”
That discovery became a symbol of Shiloh’s character — strong in spirit, grounded in faith, and mature beyond his years.
A legacy of love and rodeo
The Wilsons’ love story began with a surprise proposal in New Mexico 16 years ago. Today, that legacy lives on in the memories shared by those who knew them best.
Shiloh had already earned two championship titles as a third-generation cowboy. Friends and fellow rodeo families remembered his bright future and boundless enthusiasm for the sport he loved.
Photos and tributes described the family as inseparable — “stuck together like glue,” as one friend put it — until the sudden force of nature took them from each other.
‘Shelby is safe’
The Wilsons leave behind one small family member — their Chihuahua, Shelby.
During the service, loved ones confirmed Shelby is safe and in good care. But, they added, “she misses her humans dearly.”
