Larry Lee Wilson

Larry Lee Wilson, lovingly known to many as “Wilson” passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026, at the age of 92, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly.

Born in Lakeview, Michigan, Larry grew up in Ludington, where he developed a love for sports, hard work, and the outdoors. He attended Ludington High School, where he was a letterman athlete and talented enough to receive an offer from Major League Baseball following graduation. As a teenager, he worked in a local ice cream shop, beginning a lifelong love of ice cream that stayed with him throughout his life.

Larry proudly served in the United States Army, spending two years on active duty and three years in the reserves, with assignments in Germany, Georgia, and Colorado. Following his military service, he built a 30-year career with Motorola as an Equipment Engineering Technician. He was respected for his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and belief that anything worth doing was worth doing right.

After leaving Michigan for Arizona, often joking that he was tired of shoveling snow, Larry built a life centered around family, friendship, and the hobbies he loved. A passionate car enthusiast and member of the Old Men’s Group, he built a custom 1955 Chevy truck that was featured in Sport Truck Magazine in September 1993. His 1936 Chevy Sedan was also a winner. His cherished 1955 Buick Century earned numerous first-place awards at car shows throughout Arizona and California, including the Club’s Choice Award at the Run to the Pines Car Show in Pinetop, Arizona. He was also recognized as a Barrett-Jackson Top 10 participant. Some of Larry’s happiest memories were made attending car shows, working on his vehicles, and exploring the shores and dunes of Mexico in his sand buggy.

Of all his accomplishments, Larry was proudest of his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose love, guidance, and steady presence shaped the lives of those around him. He had a way of making people feel cared for, whether through his wisdom, his quiet support, or simply being there when he was needed.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Dianne “Dee” Kelly Wilson; his daughter, Laura Summers (Michael Summers); his son, Michael Wilson (Mary Wilson); his daughter-in-law, Tammy Jo Wilson; his grandchildren Chelsea, Lindsay, Zachary, and Austin; his great-grandchildren, Paisley, Braxton, and Makenna who lovingly knew him as “P-pop”; and his half-sister, Lynda Wilson Schober of Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his son, Steven Wilson.

Larry’s legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the friendships he built, and the countless memories he leaves behind. Though he will be deeply missed, those who loved him take comfort in knowing that his love, laughter, and lessons will remain with them always.

Forever loved, forever remembered, and forever our P-pop.