Gary "Willie" Noble Wilson

Retired, U.S. Navy Senior Chief, Gary N. “Willie” Wilson, 77, of Swansea, Illinois, born July 20, 1940 in New Hartford, Missouri, passed away, Monday, October 16, 2017, at home, alongside his wife and four children.

Gary proudly served his country in the United States Navy, where he was a Vietnam War veteran and retired after 20 years of dedicated service. His second career was with the U.S. Army in civil service for ATCOM, in St. Louis, Missouri for an additional 20 years. He was a longtime member of the VFW Post 8677 in Fairview Heights, Illinois. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree from McKendree College in 1976 and later achieved his MBA from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. He loved hanging out with friends at the Fairview Heights VFW and the Fairview Inn, while playing video gaming machines and enjoying a good burger. He was a loving husband, father, grandpa, and brother, who will be truly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Price (Mildred) Wilson; his mother, Mary Wilson, nee Reed-Wright; and his granddaughter, Lindsay Rhea Stout.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 50 years (December 31, 1966), Rita Fay Wilson, nee Elliott, of Swansea, Illinois; his children, Katherine Lynn (Randy) Pierson, Gary Noble Wilson, II, Chadwick Price Wilson, and Susan Rhea Wilson, grandchildren, Kelsey Nicole Acree, Bailey Shayne Acree, Taylor Rhea Pruitt, and Zakary Noble Dean Pruitt; his two great grandsons, Aidan Conner and Logan Matthew; a brother, Harry (Martha) Wilson; and many other relatives and friends.

Memorials are appreciated to the American Cancer Society or the Caseyville VFW Post 1117. Condolences may also be expressed online at www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon, Friday, October 20, 2017 at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, Illinois.

Funeral: Services will be held at 12 Noon, Friday, October 20, 2017 at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.