Gary Dale Wilson

On August 12, 2024, Gary D. Wilson, Sr. passed away at 80 years old, surrounded by his family at his home in Canal Fulton.

Gary was born on September 1, 1943, to Dale and Claudia Wilson in Chattanooga, TN. He was raised in Harrisburg, PA, and moved to Akron, Ohio with his family as a teenager. He later moved to Canal Fulton with his wife Gail and retired at 56 from Consolidated Freightways, where he dedicated more than 35 years of service.

Gary had a passion for cars and spent many hours of his life tinkering in the garage, building motors and restoring classic cars with longtime friends and his son, Gary Jr. In his prime, he was active in competitive drag racing at tracks throughout Ohio and was a regular at Dragway 42 and Norwalk Raceway Park. He was also a longtime North Lawrence Fish and Game Club member and an avid gun collector. Gary was a generous and loyal man and will be remembered for his gift of gab, quick-witted sense of humor, expert navigational skills, and his ability to spot a Hardees from a mile away. He leaves behind his two beloved dogs, Bailey and Ella, many close friends, and extended family.

Gary was preceded in death by both of his parents, sister Barbara, and brother Don. He is survived by his wife of over 33 years, Gail Payne, his children, Kim (Jim) Livers, Lisa Wilson, Jeanette Wilson, Sarah Wilson, and Gary (Bethany) Wilson; grandchildren Malachi (Jordan) Miller, Michael Livers, Michaela (Alex) Crouch, Dan Miller, Chris Wilson, Erin Miller, Meg Jenkins, and Cameron Wilson; and great-grandchildren Levi and Elsie; his sister Debi Wilson, and brother Randy Wilson.

There will be a celebration of life gathering for family and close friends to be announced at a later date. If you wish to make a donation in honor of Gary, please consider donating to the Tunnel 2 Towers foundation.

To share a memory of Gary or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.