Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired) H. Lee Wilson, III, 85 passed away peacefully on Tuesday May 1, 2018 at his home in Jacksonville, Florida. He was the loving husband of the late Janet Wilson. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and in the U.S. Army until his retirement, serving three combat tours in Vietnam. He loved spending time with his family, playing golf and tennis, and spoiling his dogs. He also enjoyed cheering for the Indianapolis Colts. In recent months, it was clear that Lee began battling with the inescapable complications that come with living a full and worthwhile life. Anyone who knew Lee, knew he had a big personality who could take as good as he could give. That is, unless you tried to call him by his actual first name--that was off limits until the grandchildren came along. Lee had a special love for his maternal grandfather, nicknamed Jingles. He loved to tell stories about Jingles, so perhaps that is why, when his own grandchildren came along, he allowed them to call him by his actual first name, Homer. After all, "Homer" makes for a better story than "Lee".
He is survived by three children son, Scott Wilson and his wife Debbie Wilson of Mountain Green, Utah; daughter Lauralee Wilson Ball and her husband William Ball of Leesburg, Virginia; daughter Tara Cleveland and her husband William Kevin Cleveland of Jacksonville, Florida; grandchildren Bailey, Connor, and Leighton; and step-grandchildren Joel, Jesika, Jordan, Delanie and William. In addition, he also leaves his longtime friend and companion, Elaine Silvia, of The Villages, Florida.
A private memorial service with military honors will be held on date to be later announced. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.com/donate, select "Honors & Memorial Donations". Other veteran organizations of your choice are also appropriate.
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HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd is serving the family.
