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Garfield Wilson Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Garfield Wilson
Bill & Rene
July 21, 2024
Still miss you Garfield and Janie Pie. Heaven is so lucky to have you both. Keep them educated and Janie Pie making those poundcakes and tea biscuits. Love you both.
Bill & Rene Cosenza
July 20, 2021
We speak your name fondly often, Garfield. We still miss you, the fishing, the golfing, the grilled meat, but most of all laughing with you. We know you are keeping them straight in heaven and with Janie pie...you two will always be loved and remembered.
Rene C
July 20, 2020
Still miss you Garfield. Bill and I mention your name many times over.
Frances and Dick Moon
August 10, 2007
We will miss Garfield a lot. Golfing on Friday afternoons was so much more interesting listening to Garfield's stories. Frances will miss seeing him pass by each morning and sometimes stopping in for a drink. A very gentle, sweet man, and wonderful human being.
Paul Ledford
August 8, 2007
I am so sorry for your loss and pray that God comforts you and your families. I know this is a difficult time. Please convey my condolences to the entire family.
Whenever I read a posthumous story (like the St. Pete Times story) or attend a funeral, I am always amazed at what I didn’t know. Dr. Wilson was truly a remarkable man, and excelled in his personal and professional life. Providence placed him in a position during a tumultuous era where he could touch, support, and to encourage people in a deeply personal and meaningful way, and he accepted the challenges admirably and selflessly. What a neat testimony to their love and commitment that his "bride" still giggles as she recalls the young Garfield that literally swept her off of her feet a half-century ago!
Gus & Elena Richter
August 2, 2007
I knew Garfield from our Walden Lake golf group. He was a true gentleman and friend. He will be missed by all of us who knew him and enjoyed the pleasure of his company. God bless.
Billy Kagel
August 2, 2007
On behalf of the staff at Walden Lake Country Club,God bless your family..He will be greatly missed.It was a pleasure to work with him for his 50th Anniversary party.Nice man that loved his family.
Tami Moffett
August 2, 2007
Dear Family,
I am still coming to terms with the huge loss that Garfield's passing will create in all our lives. He and Jane have become such a grounding force in the lives of my family and although he is gone from this life, his thoughtful and loving influence will live on through the many lessons he taught me about being a better person. I'll never pick up another fishing pole, eat another fried oyster or hushpuppy, or reflect on the integrity found in educational equality without thinking of him. I am truly blessed to have been loved by him.
Bonnie Kelley
August 1, 2007
Jill & family,
You definitely had the honor of being the daughter and family of such a fine man, in addition to an educational leader. My dad died when he was 76 years old, so I feel your loss.
Keith & Charlene Neel
July 31, 2007
May God bless your family and watch over you. Keith and I feel honored to have gotten to know Garfield through the MBARA. He will be missed!
Ken and Jean Boutwell
July 31, 2007
Jane and Family,
It was with great sadness that I learned yesterday of Garfield's death. Please know that Jean and I are remembering you in our prayers during this most difficult time.
I join with you, however, in rememembering all of Garfield's great successes in his career, in his family and in his community. He was a role model for me as I sought to find the proper balance in my own life.
I remember how happy I was when he agreed to join MGT. He brought great prestige to our company and gave us instant credibility in educational organizations around the nation. The entire education community knew of him and his many contributions at both the local and state levels to the improvement of education programs. I recall many occasions when the councils and individuals, to whom he was presenting his findings and recommendations on studies, would praise his work and express their appreciations for the quality. In his consulting work, he always placed the education of kids first, the integrity and health of the organization second and his own welfare a distance third.
The world is a far better place because of Garfield. I am a far better person because of Garfield and I am most thankful to him for being my friend and for those years that we spent together at MGT.
Although we did not have a lot of contact with each other during the past several years, I thought of him often and received a level of comfort just knowing that if I ever needed his help, he would be there for me.
We are all fortunate to have him in our lives.
Sincerely,
Ken Boutwell
Scott Sweeten
July 31, 2007
It was great seeing you Sunday morning Krista, Just wanted to let
you and your sisters know that you guys
are in my thoughts and prayers.
Check out Proverbs 3:5-6, it's my life verse. It always seems to help
me get over the hump. So glad you've found happiness.
Sally Childs
July 30, 2007
I am so glad that I had the honor of knowing Garfield and enjoying his company. I know how much his family loved him and how much he will be missed by all.
Chip Blackburn
July 30, 2007
Jane, Jill, Krista, and Jenny,
Garfield Wilson will be missed terribly. Our prayers are with you all.
Chip & Mary
Jill Wilson
July 30, 2007
Thank you all for signing Dad's guest book and sharing your stories. They are bringing such comfort to my mother, Jenny, Krista, Sara and I. A reporter from the St Petersburg Times wrote a wonderful article about Dad. http://www.sptimes.com/2007/07/27/Hillsborough/Educator_butted_heads.shtml
Also, if you have an email address, please leave it for us. If you would like Mom and Dad's mailing address, please email me at [email protected] and let me know. If anyone knows how to get in touch with Carol Scarborough - Cheshire - a Towers High School grad who has pictures of my sister when she was cheerleader mascot while Dad was principal -- we would love to see them.
Love to you all for sharing your memories of our Dad with us,
Dale AND Linda Ball Pearce
July 29, 2007
My wife and I were in the second and third graduating classes from Towers High in 1967 and 1968. Linda's mother, Iris Ball, worked in the Counselor's Office at Towers. We are sorry for your loss. The family can be proud of what Dr. Wilson stood for and accomplished. You will be in our prayers.
Ronald Childs
July 29, 2007
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association, we will miss our beloved Garfield who did so much to build our organization and put us on the map of reef building in the United States. We have honored him with a reef named after him. We will miss his gentle spirit and loving manner. Ron Childs, President.
Bill & Rene Cosenza
July 28, 2007
As Jane so often said… “I am so glad that I didn’t miss Garfield in my lifetime, aren’t you?” I know that Garfield is now a gift of God. Jane, Jill, Krista, and Jenny, even though Garfield has left us, I feel that He will continue to watch over you from His new green, and He will continue to help all of us for the rest of our lives. We will move on with appreciation of what He contributed to our lives. He was such a stabilizing influence on all of us.
We love you all so much,
Bill & Rene
Martha Thomas
July 28, 2007
Jane, Jill, Krista, and Jenny,
We were very saddened to hear the news of Garfield's passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We felt so fortunate to be able to renew our friendship with you all again at Mexico Beach.
John Pat and Martha (McClure) Thomas
Patti Ireland
July 28, 2007
Jane: My memories of Towers High School always start with you and Garfield. He was the best principal I ever worked for...a true Titan. I stayed at Towers for 36 years primarily because he first set the standards I held for myself too. Remember all the fun times we had building the Titan Spirit together? My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, and I know the good Lord is happy to have the Number One Titan with him. Love to you all.
Robert Cox
July 28, 2007
Jane & Family,
We will surely miss Garfield. His friendship and leadership is a huge legacy in Mexico Beach, Florida. Carol and I have very fond memories of his Presidency in the Mexico Beach Artificial Association where he laid the foundation for many past, present, and future reef projects in the Gulf of Mexico. Garfield is one of the kindest well spoken men we have ever met. We will miss this "Silver-Tongued Devil". Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. And, we know that Garfield is eternally fishing his favorite places.
Love,
Bob & Carol
JACKIE SHERMAN(CHESHIRE)
July 28, 2007
I AM SORRY TO HEAR OF DR WILSON'S PASSING. HE WAS A GREAT FRIEND,MY FIRST PRINCIPAL ALSO AT TOWERS 1967. JUST THINK IF YOU ARE BORN AGAIN YOU WILL SEE HIM AGAIN!!!
The Shelton Family
July 27, 2007
Jane, Jill, Jenny and Krista,
The sun has been streaming from heaven to Earth all day today here on the Rocky Mountain Front, even between the clouds and wildfire smoke, connecting patches of blue sky to the more humanly tread ground. The determined beams have made us think especially of you, with the hope and prayers that you will always feel Garfield's sunlight streaming through to touch you, even on the saddest and darkest of days. Seeing those picture-perfect rays, and reading the two lovely stories about him in today's paper, make us know that his light will always be there to warm you, as it has all the days of your lives together.
With love,
Carol Scarborough - Cheshire
July 27, 2007
My love and prayers go to each member of the family. Dr. Wilson and his family have always held a very special place in my heart. I was going through some of my pictures the other day and found some pictures of Jennifer when she was our little cheerleader mascot at Towers. I wanted to mail them to him, but did not have his address since he moved from Mexico Beach. Jane thankyou for all of the wonderful memories and allowing me to be a part of your family and getting to babysit for you. I always enjoyed keeping Jennifer. God bless you!
Carol Cheshire - Class of 1967 Towers High School
Karol (McDougald) Schneider
July 27, 2007
Jane, Jenny, Jill, and Krista,
Just wanted you to know that my heart goes out to each of you during this time. May you find peace in your wonderful memories.
Lucia Howe
July 27, 2007
Dear Wilson family: I am a visitor--house and dog sitting for my cousin in St. Pete. I do not know your family. I was so moved by the "epilogue" and obituary in today's paper. Every single sentence filled me with gratitude to know that a gentleman like this lived. I can tell from the article that in addition to Dr. Wilson's great character, he gained such strength from all of you. The humility of Jill Wilson's quote about her father says everything about what her family represents. May we all learn to "make our points...without raising our voices or losing our temper." I, a stranger, offer you my deepest sympathy. May your faith comfort you during your time of sorrow.
Gwynn Carpenter
July 27, 2007
Jane, Jill, Jenny and Krista, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I felt like Garfield and you all were apart of my family. He was such a joy to work with. He loved you all so much. I felt like I knew the entire family. You were his life. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. Jane you are such a good cook and Garfield really enjoyed sharing your cakes with us at MGT. The last cake I remember was the made from scrath Apple cake. It was so good.
God Bless you all
Bert Hartsfield
July 27, 2007
Jane,
I cannot express to you my sadness over your loss. Garfield was such an influence to so many during his lifetime, and I will truly miss him. I remember my years in the Tax Collector’s office with you both as such good times, and I regret that we didn’t stay in touch more frequently. My family’s thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls during this difficult time. Please let me know if I can do anything for you. Sincerely,
Myrtle Bailey
July 27, 2007
I first met Garfield when he and I worked very long hours on teacher education issues for Governor Graham and Commissioner Turlington. He was knowledgable, professional and a very nice person. I am saddened to hear of his passing. My prayers and sympathy go to his family. Sincerely, Myrtle Bailey
Deanne Holder
July 27, 2007
Dear Jane & family: My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. Chris & I remember your time at the tax collector's office fondly and have missed you. May God comfort you & may your many happy memories sustain you and your family. Our deepest sympathies, Deanne & Chris Holder
Gail Dixon
July 27, 2007
I was sad to hear of Garfield's passing. His great wisdom was such a help to us when he was Evaluator for our Rural Neighbors in Partnership program from 1991-1996.
May your memories comfort you in this time of loss.
Barbara Thompkins Gailey
July 27, 2007
God bless you and your family during this difficult time. May the love of your family and friends help to sustain you. Thank you, Dr. WIlson, for what you meant to us at Towers.
Nancy Augustine
July 27, 2007
Krista, Jill, and Family,
I am saddened to hear about your Dad's passing. May God comfort you and your family during this difficult time. God bless.
Michelle Weathersby
July 27, 2007
Dear Jane and Family,
I was so sorry to hear the news about Garfield. I will always remember how much the two of you loved each other, and I can only imagine how much you will miss him. Also, I will never forget the delicious lunch we had with the two of you over at Mexico Beach when we rented the duplex from you. You and Garfield were so cute together! I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Much love,
Michelle Weathersby
Kathy Doolin
July 27, 2007
Dear Jane,
Chris and I are so sorry to hear of Garfield's passing. He was the utmost professional, as well as a wonderful warm person. You and he will be in our prayers. God Bless, Kathy & Chris Doolin
Carole Sharp
July 27, 2007
Dr. Wilson was a wonderful first principal of the Towers Titans and I've thought of him often as we opened this new school of Northview Titans in Alpharetta,Ga.
Carole Parker Sharp THS '66
John Snoderly
July 26, 2007
Garfield Wilson was always my favorite Principal. He was what I thought a Principal should be like and many years later I patterned my own principalship after him. The educational profession lost a real friend
Mrs. Judy Wellborn Baxter
July 26, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Graduate of Towers High School 1966 (first graduating class), born in Walton County, and have a beach townhouse near Port St. Joe, FL.
Rick Smith
July 26, 2007
My deep condolences to the Family.
Rick Smith, Towers High School First Graduating Class 1966
Bobby Stephens
July 26, 2007
Garfield was a great educator and even a better person.
Marvin & Lorraine Ritch
July 26, 2007
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Vicki Crowell
July 26, 2007
I want to send my thoughts and prayers to all of Garfield's family including myself. Even though I had not seen him very much in years he was still my cousin and I loved him very much. I am so glad he passed away doing what he loved.
Love,
Vicki
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