Mr. Obie Wilson born and raised in the City of Riverside. California. He attended Lowe Elementary School, went to University Height Jr. High and graduated for Riverside Poly High School in 1968. Upon graduating from high school. he went to work for a company called Butcher Boy Foods (many names changes). It was there he built his career which lasted nearly 40 years.

As Mr. Wilson stated "I was able to experience things I never would have, had it not been for Mr. Dell Roberts and men like him. Dell was and continues to be my strongest supporter. He taught me how to give back to my community that raised me. You are my hero, Mr. Roberts."

During the 1960's when Poly High School moved to no longer host class reunions, a group of former students organize to have what they called a special "Old Poly High Group. It was during this time Obie Wilson knew what his long time mentor meant "give back to your community"

Mr. Wilson chaired the committee for a approximately 7-8 years. Events were hosted at March Air Force Base, Rain cross Center and the Holiday Inn. A banquet and picnic were the focus of these reunions.

Mr. Wilson was the President of NAACP Southern Area Conference from 1959 -1970. His territory and area of his responsibility was from Southern California, Santa Barbara south to Las Vegas, Nevada. This group met and discussed the problems that the youth were experiencing and worked with other youth to counsel and hopefully change attitudes and concepts of the era. They travelled to other regions in the U.S. to discuss the differences of those in the west coast and those from the south and the east coasts. This was a very powerful time in our history and very beneficial messages to those in attendance. It helped to develop working lines of communications in the community.

Riverside Park and Recreation Department was a labor of love for Mr. Wilson where he worked part-time. He worked at Bordwell and Bobbie Bonds Parks. Some of the projects were to keep Bordwell Parle open. He monitored the park to help keep gang violence and crime out whereby the community could come with their families and feel safe while they enjoyed fellowshipping with one another.

For the past ten years, he became a Mr. Mom -a single parent to his twelve-year old daughter. He states "I'm very proud of this accomplishment, we grew together'' Mr. Wilson most recent commitment is working with young men at his church, Moreno Valley Church of Christ. When he was asked about why get involved "I grew up during the time when adults were respected, a time when a disagreement did not cost you your life" and that why I'm involved. He also works on the finance committee and is the Coordinator of the Men's Breakfast group.

Obie is a well-rounded family man with many ongoing social activity, projects being worked on at his home and yes, has built his first "Hot Rod" and hope to have it on the road within the next six months.

Look out Cochér Car Club!! There's new hot rod on the tracks... He's on the Move.