Frederick Charles Wilson Sr.

He was preceded in death by his father Cecil Wilson, mother Mildred Bush, and his sister Janet Wilson. He is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-eight years, Betty Wilson, daughter Lori Wilson (son-in-law Darrell), son Frederick Charles Wilson Jr. (daughter-in-law Nicole), grandson Zachary Wilson, granddaughter Samantha Wilson, and brother Stephen Bush.

If Fred were a song, he would be "I'm in a Hurry" by Alabama: in his life, he had a diverse catalog of hobbies and interests he did and did well, and sitting still wasn't one of them. He was a hunter, fisherman, motorcycle racer, scuba diver, missionary, Sunday school teacher, choir member, and deacon. Never one to give up on a dream, Fred earned his pilot's license at the age of 50.

Whether Fred realized it or not, he was a modern Renaissance man. He was a park ranger, a lineman, he worked his way from deckhand to captain on a tugboat, managed a gun store, was a Level III sporting clays instructor and coach, was blessed to see all of the lower 48 states delivering motorhomes, and owned multiple successful small businesses over the years.

Clearly, Fred lived a life of adventure, but he would tell anyone his proudest roles in life were being a husband, father, grandfather, and servant to Jesus Christ. He constantly reminded his family that he loved Betty just as much today as he did when they were 9th grade sweethearts. Fred always made a conscious effort to instill the confidence into his children and grandchildren that they could do anything they set their minds to. As for his ministry, nothing more perfectly epitomized Fred than his work at the Compassion House. Fred wanted to help those who could not help themselves, and believed in human beings' greatest potential, which to him was that EVERYONE is worthy of salvation. While he knew as well as anyone that one cannot out-give the Lord...he was willing to try.

The world is a lesser place without Fred, but it is a better place because of him.

A memorial service for Fred will be held 11am Monday, November 14, 2022 at First Baptist of Brandon, 216 N Parsons Ave, Brandon, FL 33510.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a charity of your choice in honor of Fred.