William Gary Wilson

Gary Wilson was born on March 12, 1949 in Oklahoma City to Bernice and Bill Wilson. His mother’s side of the family, the Bynum’s, were from Wilburton, OK where he spent a good amount of time as a child playing at Robber’s Cave with his younger sister Debbie. Gary loved swimming in the lake, exploring, playing cops and robbers and, always a little mischievous, hiding in the caves to jump out and scare Debbie.

After he graduated from Northwest Classen High School in Oklahoma City, Gary continued his education at Central State University where he was president of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, graduating in 1971. He had many interesting jobs throughout college and after he graduated, but Gary was most proud of being a homebuilder for over 30 years. Always a die-hard Sooners fan, he was also a board member of the OU Club of Dallas.

Gary was such a joyous and supportive person and always a positive influence on those surrounding him. “Papa Bear”, as his children and grandchildren called him, loved his family unconditionally. His goofy, laid-back attitude meant he was always good for a smile – particularly when he was telling a story, as he so often liked to do. Those stories were always a little more fun when he forgot to use his filter.

Gary loved being surrounded by his family whether it was at a family reunion at Robber’s Cave, having an “Eatin’ Party” or on a vacation at his favorite spot on the beach in Destin, FL. Some of his favorite things were watching OU football, HGTV and Old Westerns, especially John Wayne movies (his favorite actor).

Gary’s famous taglines were: “Rough, tough and hard to bluff”, “If you’re waitin’ on me you’re backin’ up”, and “Better than good”.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William George Wilson and Stella Bernice Bynum Wilson.

He is survived by his sister Debbie Wynd and her husband Greg Wynd of Moore, OK; Daughter Ashley Leanne Ford and her husband Aaron Ford of Frisco, TX with sons Symon and Zephan Ford; Daughter Kellie Elizabeth McConnell of Plano, TX and children Ryker and Haven McConnell; Daughter Chelsea J Culberston and her husband Jacob Culbertson of Plano, TX with children Miley, Jackson and Braelynne Culbertson; Stepson Zane Sommers; Nephew Peter Huggler IV, Niece Colby Huggler, Niece Megan Murray and Nephew Brett Wynd.

Gary was a huge impact in his family's lives and he will be greatly missed.