Donald H. Wilson Sr

Donald H. Wilson, Sr. of Bartow died Sunday, October 26, 2008 at the age of 93. The cause of death was renal failure and old age. He was born September 9, 1915 at the home of his parents Solon and Bessie Wilson on Church Street in Bartow. He graduated from Summerlin Institute and attended the University of Florida where he was a member of the Fighting Gator Marching Band. He remained a devoted Gator fan and was grateful to have finally lived long enough to see the Florida football team win multiple Southeastern Conference and national championships. At the outbreak of World War II he joined the navy and was stationed in Panama. After the war he devoted his career to working for the Jackson Grain Company and its successor organizations marketing agricultural chemicals and materials primarily in the citrus industry. He took pride in having worked with many local growers to develop modern citrus production practices. He always loved music, and throughout high school and college he played saxophone and clarinet in popular dance bands. After starting his family he took up photography as hobby and photographed many local weddings and special events. He was a former member of the Bartow Kiwanis Club, he worked with the Gulf Ridge Counsel of the Boy Scouts, and was a member of the Associate Reform Presbyterian Church in Bartow. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of sixty-seven years, Veulah S. Wilson, a daughter Carolyn W. Albritton (Dale) of Alturas, a son Donald H. Wilson, Jr. (Holly) of Homeland, grandchildren Laura A. McGinnis (Andy) of Lake Wales and Jeff D. Albritton (Tammy) of Alturas, and great grandchildren Meredith and Elizabeth McGinnis and Allie Grace, Isaac and Reagan Albritton. Funeral services will be held 11:00 on Wednesday at the Associate Reform Presbyterian Church in Bartow with interment following at Wildwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday between 5:00 and 7:00 P.M. at the home of Don and Holly Wilson, 579 4th Street, Homeland. Those wishing to make a contribution in lieu of flowers are asked to consider the Bartow Church Service Center, 290 East Church Street, Bartow 33830, where at this time there is a special need.