Gary Charles Wilson

Gary Charles Wilson, 75, of Jupiter, Florida, sadly passed away on January 19, 2025, surrounded in love and admiration. He was born to parents, both of whom predeceased him, William Dake Wilson and Betty Jean Wilson (Astrup) on April 4, 1949, in Akron, Ohio. He attended Galion High School where he met the love of his life, Rebecca Sue Wilson (Swick).

Gary liked routine, structure, and order. His personal items, his work items, and even his garage were in meticulous order. He also liked numbers and challenges (especially if it involved numbers). Maybe that is why he became an accountant. After high school, Gary left Galion to embark on his accounting career at a campus of Ohio State University. He studied there until he could finally be reunited in marriage with Becky, his high school sweetheart, on December 21, 1968. Excited to start their lives together, the young couple moved to Athens, Ohio, where Gary completed his honor’s degree in Business Administration from Ohio University, all the while supporting his wife and young daughter.

After graduation, Gary proudly accepted a position in Houston, Texas, with Arthur Anderson, a “Big Five” accounting firm well-renowned at the time. Their second daughter was born here, and he worked very hard to provide for his family. Gary’s dedication and drive did not go unnoticed, and, in 1975, he had an opportunity to work for C & K Coal Company, a subsidiary of Gulf Resources & Chemical Corporation, in Clarion, Pennsylvania. He accepted the job and Gary and Becky happily moved back east, where they settled to raise their growing family that now included a son.

Gary became an expert in the operations of C & K and eventually reached the position of President of the company, achieving great success during the boom of the 1970’s. However, as coal became less popular and the industry experienced many setbacks and fluctuations during the 1980’s, Gulf Resources chose to dissolve their ownership of C & K. Recognizing the severe impact it would have on employees and the economic viability of the community, Gary’s compassion and drive kicked in. He worked tirelessly to retain ownership of C & K and save the jobs and livelihood of those he knew and respected. A great joy of his was knowing that the community he loved, where he and his wife raised their children, was saved.

Later, as their children moved on, Gary and Becky found a home at Jonathan’s Landing, in Jupiter, Florida, among many dear friends and close to the game they loved most…golf. Golf was life. Gary enjoyed everything about it. From playing with his wife, friends and children, to drinks, jokes and “Funday Friday.” He was once named “The Comish” because he was always in charge of the schedule, scorecards and payouts. Gary was smart, thorough and scrupulous, and no other man was better suited for the title.

Gary was also a happy man, with a smile and warmth that could light up a room, and nothing made him happier than his wife and three children (except, maybe occasionally, the morning paper and Ohio State football). He was modest and unassuming, highly respectable and dignified, and extremely generous. Many would say “your husband/father is so kind.” And he was. He was a treasure. He was the pillar of strength and stability to his family and friends, and he will be deeply missed.

Gary’s legacy and love will survive in his wife of 56 years, Becky, and their three children: Angela Jean Wilkins (Wilson) and husband John, and granddaughter Ava, of Lancaster, PA; Natalie Anne Steen (Wilson) and husband Michael, and grandsons Aidan, Rowen, Gavin and Payson, of Brandon, VT; and Dake Alan Wilson and wife Franciene, and granddaughter Nina, of Lancaster, PA. He is also survived by his sister, Donna Dake Wilson of Upper Arlington, OH, and stepmother, Shirley Wilson and half-brother Scott Wilson, of Raleigh, NC.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to Trustbridge hospice of Jupiter for their exceptional care during Gary’s last days. Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to Trustbridge Jupiter Care Center, 1210 S. Old Dixie Hwy, Jupiter, FL 33458, or online at https://trustbridge.com/give/. A celebration of life is being planned for Spring 2025.