Gordon Francis Wilson Sr.

Gordon Francis Wilson, Sr. passed away on June 2, 2018, at the age of 93. His beloved wife, Mary Lou (nee McHugh) predeceased him, December 1, 2016. Gordon is survived by his four children, Mary Lou Huber (Phillip), Gordon, Jr. (Donna), Colleen Wieners (Michael), and Kellie Wilson; his 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, along with his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Penny and Bob Humphreys and his surviving brothers, William Wilson(Margaret), James Wilson, Jr.(Rose), and Robert Wilson(Judy). Gordon, a proud veteran of WWII, was always seen wearing his prized WWII hat. It was adorned with pins depicting the many Army Units he served with. He participated in annual reunions with his 202nd Combat Engineers as recently as four years ago. He retired from the Baltimore City Police Department and went on to work a second career with Crown Optical. He was a talented woodworker, and his family has many fine examples of his work. He was as skilled in miniature pieces as he was in full size furniture. If you asked him, one of his finest pieces was that of a miniature bridge created to memorialize a Bailey Bridge across the Rhine River built during the war. His unit lost a soldier to enemy gunfire during that construction. The bridge had been on display at a museum at Fort Leonard Wood, but when it closed, the model was returned to him. These last years, Gordon most loved to simply sit outside and enjoy the sun. He could be found there even on the hottest of days, whether it was in the sun of Baltimore, Maryland; Miami Beach, Florida; or Stafford, Virginia. Gordon will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery beside his beloved Mary Lou. With him will be the WWII hat that garnered him so much attention and kindness over the years. Please check back for the date of his inurnment. It will be published on this site upon confirmation from Arlington National Cemetery. In addition, Gordon’s family would like to express its appreciation to the residents of Stafford County and the Greater Fredericksburg Area for the kindness bestowed upon our Dad. No matter where he went, proudly wearing his WWII Veteran hat, he was greeted warmly. Maybe you or your child were one of the many that took the time to thank Dad for his service. These young children impressed us the most. Perhaps you treated him and our family to meals or drinks while we shopped at the Spotsylvania Mall or the Stafford Farmer’s Market. Or, maybe you ran into us at the Augustine Clubhouse, Chick fil A, Embrey Mill, or Mission Barbecue and picked up the tab. Maybe you were the officer from Quantico who ran home while we were at Embrey Mill to share some of your prized sand from Normandy because Dad landed there on D-Day at Omaha Beach. Perhaps you know one the of local college students who chatted with Dad about his memories of the war at a VT tailgate. Dad’s memory was failing in the end, but his WWII memories seemed strongest. Your appreciation made his days brighter. Often your kindness and handshakes made him cry with gratitude. Also, thank you to the wonderful staff at The Crossings Harmony Square. We were sad that Dad could no longer be cared for at home, but your staff treated him with respect, dignity, and kindness. It, too, will be forever appreciated. And last, but by no means least, thank you to the nursing staff of Mary Washington Hospital’s 4 North Unit. You handled all of us with kindness those last days of Dad’s life.