Remembering a Conservation Leader: Wilson Scaling
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Wilson Scaling, a longtime leader and advocate for conservation in Texas. Throughout his life, Wilson dedicated himself to caring for the land, supporting those who work it, and helping advance conservation at the local, state, and national levels.
Wilson’s contributions reached far beyond his Clay County ranch. His service with the USDA Soil Conservation Service, the Conservation Advisory Council, and the Little Wichita Soil and Water Conservation District reflected a lifelong commitment to natural resource conservation and the people who depend on it. His example and leadership left a lasting mark on conservation across Texas.
Fifth generation cattleman Wilson Scaling, 88, left his beloved Clay County for a far better “country” – a heavenly one – on September 19, 2026. Services will be held at First United Methodist Church in Henrietta on Saturday, September 26, at 10 a.m. with Rev. Valleri Sewell officiating. A private burial on Scaling ranch will be at a later date. Visitation will be on Friday, September 25, from 6-8 p.m. at Owens and Brumley (Davis) Funeral Home in Henrietta.
George Wilson Scaling II was born July 14, 1938, to Harry W. and Marjorie Bevering Scaling. He grew up in the ranch home he lived in for the rest of his life. He attended grade school at both Bluegrove and Midway, graduated from Henrietta High, then received his Bachelor of Science in Animal Husbandry from Texas Tech University. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and kept up many of those relationships all his life. When he graduated, he returned home, the place he treasured most. His love of Clay County branded everything he did. His heart for the land, people, and conservation of natural resources were rooted deeply, just as his family’s history was. That history began in Clay County in 1891, when his great-grandfather Samuel Scaling purchased land here, and his Lazy B brand still marks Wilson’s Hereford cattle.
Wilson’s humble, hard-working and kind-hearted nature fueled everything he did, whether he was serving as Parade Marshall for Clay County Pioneer Reunion or as USDA Chief of the Soil Conservation Service in Washington, DC, under Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush. He didn’t just serve, he led in county, state and national organizations. He was precinct 3 County Commissioner from 1993-2008. He served as a director of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raiser’s Assoc., director and Vice-President of the Red River Authority, President of Clay County Pioneer Reunion and Rodeo, Chairman of the Nine Man Board during each of his two terms, and he served on the Kirk Edwards Foundation. He was a Governor-appointed member of the Conservation Advisory Council in Austin, and was instrumental in many conservation societies from the Little Wichita Soil and Water Conservation District to the Region B Water Planning Commission.
Wilson’s slogan in all his conservation efforts was “take care of what takes care of you.” But he took care of more than that. He loved young people and was a big supporter of FFA, 4-H, Boy Scouts and others. He helped secure scholarships for graduating seniors. He also mentored one special young man, Scott Schroeder, who began working on Scaling ranch alongside his father before he was even in school. Scott and Wilson’s relationship grew to be family-like, and a week after Scott’s high school graduation, Wilson asked him to work for him. “At any rate,” as Wilson would say, he and Scott worked side by side for the rest of Wilson’s life, appreciating each other’s strengths. As a widower, Wilson also “added to his family” on November 7, 2009, with a late-in-life marriage to a dear, lifelong friend, Ann Adams. Together they carried on Wilson’s enthusiastic support of Clay County.
One of Wilson’s favorite leadership positions was with the North Texas Rehabilitation Center (NTRC) in Wichita Falls where he began serving in l975. He was Trail Boss for many years over its Livestock and Merchandise Auction. He and Ann both served on its board, and he was a lifetime director of both the Rehab Center Operating Board and its Foundation Board. Ranches who compete in the NTRC’s main fundraiser, the Texas Ranch Roundup, voted to give Wilson the coveted Trailblazer Award. In addition, he was recognized as Individual of the Year by the Clay County Chamber of Commerce.
“Giving back” motivated Wilson, whether serving in his church (Trinity Episcopal) or in the US Army Reserve from 1961-69. He continued to support the military through his involvement in the “Dove Salute” for enlisted men and women at SAFB. He appreciated and supported all who worked to help others, including area volunteer fire fighters.
In one of many interviews throughout his successful life, Wilson said, “If I can leave a legacy, it’s lots of grass, good Hereford cattle, and that I kept my word. That’s about all I can leave this world with.” But he’s left it with much more – including warm memories of a big man with a big heart, a twinkle in his eye and a jolly laugh, who knew how to make other people feel special. Heaven must have resounded with Wilson’s hearty “yo ho ho!” when he, one of Clay County’s finest, arrived home.
Wilson is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Ann Scaling. He is survived by his wife, Ann, and her son, Duncan Arnhold of Florida; his sister, Sally Scaling Gray of Wichita Falls; Scott Schroeder of Scaling Ranch in Clay County; and many beloved cousins, relatives and friends.
Wilson’s legacy will continue through the people he mentored, the organizations he served, and the conservation work he championed throughout his life. His simple reminder to “take care of what takes care of you” continues to capture the heart of conservation and the responsibility we share to care for Texas’ natural resources.
We are grateful for Wilson’s years of service, leadership, friendship, and commitment to conservation. The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board extends our deepest condolences to Wilson’s family, friends, and the many people across Texas whose lives he touched.
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