Gary Arnold Wilson

Gary Arnold Wilson, 80 of Tallahassee, passed away Saturday October 14, 2023, with his loving family by his side. He was born in Virginia, Minnesota on March 27, 1943, to his parents Carl and Mildred Cyr Wilson of Parkville, Minnesota. After graduating high school in Mt. Iron, Minnesota he moved to Minneapolis and enlisted in the Air Force. After serving four years, he returned to Minneapolis and worked at Northern Ordinance Division of FMC. While working there he took night classes in Metallurgy at the University of Minnesota and became a Metals Inspector. He followed family and moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where he started working for Pitney Bowes as a Service Representative, transferring to Valdosta and Tifton, Georgia. He retired from Pitney Bowes after 20 years then moved to Tallahassee to work for A-1 Business Systems as a service representative until retirement. He started his own Handyman service and continued to work part time for a good friend until he became ill. Gary always had a cheerful smile and blessed others with a kind and friendly message, “How y’all doin?” He was witty and quick to respond with his sense of humor. Everyday was an adventure and an opportunity to share his knowledge with others, lend a helping hand, explore new places or just live life to the fullest. He lived a meaningful life filled with love and found joy in the simple things in life. He was humble, generous, and always willing to give his time, talents, and hospitality to anyone in need. He had great pride, love, and unwavering devotion to family. Apparent by the moments, stories, and photos he shared. He was a fighter with a determined spirit. He was an Air Force veteran and hero who made sacrifices and gave his time to serve his country. He had a love for old cars and enjoyed sharing stories about the ones he restored. To everyone “Love ya Bunches.” Gary is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Joan Starc Wilson of Tallahassee, daughter Kimberly (Gary) Thornton of St. Cloud, Florida, granddaughter Kristina (Jacob) Chavarria and great grandson Issac Chavarria of St. Cloud, Florida, grandson Kyle (Reiko) Thornton of Yokosuka, Japan; sisters, Janice Wilson of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Marcia (Rich) Norton of Duluth, Minnesota, and brother-in-law Richard Carlson of Pahrump, Nevada and sister-in-law Joyce Pernu of Mt Iron, Minnesota. He is also survived by several special nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Dwight Wilson and his wife Susan; sisters Phyllis Snell and her husband Bud Snell and their son Duane Snell, Lorraine Ulisni and her husband Tony, Carol Carlson and brother-in-law Duane Pernu. A graveside service will be held for Gary on Monday, November 6, 2023, at 12:00PM at the Tallahassee National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to the Glioblastoma Research Organization www.gbmresearch.org or Big Bend Hospice. Dayne Parker of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

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Gary Arnold Wilson

March 27, 1943 - October 14, 2023