It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gary Lawrence Wilson on October 14, 2024, at the age of 69. Gary was born on April 3, 1955, in Memphis, TN, to James
(Dutch) and Shirley (Mathis) Wilson.
Gary is survived by his children, Jessica (Dr. Collin) Bowe of Lake Charles, and Jacob Wilson of Bethel, AK, and his pride and joy, granddaughter Clara Bella Bowe. He is also survived by his beloved long-time partner, Alejandra Hurtado Eger, and her children, Karla Eger of Alexandra, VA; Roberto (Kristen) Eger of Baton Rouge; and Norman (Tina) Eger of Baton
Rouge. Gary enthusiastically expressed love and pride for his children, Alejandra, and her children.
Gary is also survived by his brother, Terry Wilson of Houston, TX; sister, Tammy Wilson of Houston, TX; and his nieces and nephews, Chris (Jenna) Clark of Fayetteville, AR; and their children, along with Brian Clark of Fayetteville, AR; and two nieces, Serena and Larissa Wilson of Houston, TX.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James (Dutch) and Shirley Wilson, and his sister, Veronica Wilson of Little Rock, AR.
Gary was known for many things, one of which was his work ethic, which started at the young age of 11 when he earned the honor of Eagle Scout. He embodied the Boy Scout motto “Be Prepared,” which his children, often jokingly, thought he took to the extreme. Gary carried his strong work ethic to the University of Arkansas, where he ran hurdles on the track team and earned his bachelor’s degree.
After college, Gary moved to Houston, followed by New Orleans, where he worked in the oil field. He later joined the Shaw Group as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Southeast Region. Gary took early retirement to spend time with his family. Eventually, he returned to the workforce as Assistant Store Manager of the Home Depot in Baton Rouge, where he made many friends and had a profound impact as a mentor.
As a diehard Arkansas Razorback fan, Gary was lovingly known to his Louisiana friends as the only Razorback they could adore. He always felt immense pride that his daughter, Jessica, followed in his footsteps and graduated from the University of Arkansas.
Gary spent his last few years trailing behind his beloved granddaughter, Bella, whom he would brag about to anyone who would listen. He loved being a grandfather, and it brought out the best in him.
As a lifelong blood donor and recipient, Gary understood the importance of the gracious gift of donating blood. His family humbly requests blood donations to a local blood bank in memory of Gary Wilson instead of monetary donations or flowers. However, if you would still like to donate in Gary’s honor, please visit www.fmolhs.org/giving/foundations/our-lady-of-the- lake-foundation/donate-now.
Services are scheduled for Monday, October 21, 2024, at St. George Catholic Church in Baton Rouge, where Gary was a proud parishioner. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., with a Mass at 11 a.m.
Friends and family will miss Gary’s generosity, love, charisma, stories, and style. His selfless nature and caring demeanor touched many lives, endearing him to all. His absence will be deeply felt.
2 comments
Dennis Allen
October 19, 2024 at 5:31 pm
What a great loss of an irreplaceable man, my cousin, Gary. Born days apart, Gary and I grew up in Memphis and he and his siblings were more like brothers and sisters to me than cousins. Gary and I stayed in touch over the years, despite the distance time and circumstances brought, and I would look forward to his texts and phone calls, always full of laughter and good-natured ribbing between us, but lately, filled with stories of his granddaughter who made him so happy. My heartfelt condolences to Jessica, Jacob, Terry and Tammy and all who loved Gary. His time on earth was too short, but the memory of him will live on forever in my heart.
Love, Dennis (Vickie) Allen
Robin Patek
October 18, 2024 at 3:16 pm
Gary’s passing has hit us all hard! My heart breaks for Jessica, Jacob, Ale and her children. He will be truly missed, but like the many stories Gary liked to share, I know his memories will be retold by his children and family.
Rest in peace Gary,
Love Robin and Bobby