Robert Allen Wilson Sr. "Allen" of Lake City, Florida was born October 2, 1954 in Adel, Georgia to Kathleen and Charles Wilson and died May 23, 2020 at Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, Arkansas at the age of 65.
Allen graduated from Hialeah High School in Hialeah, Florida in 1973. He then joined the Army as a paratrooper where he served for 4 years and was part of the 82nd Airborne Division. He later obtained an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Lake City Community College in Lake City, Florida. He served as a Correctional Officer for 17 years.
Allen loved life and never knew a stranger. He was an avid hunter, traveler, saltwater fisherman, power para-glider pilot, and surfer. He spent his early retirement volunteering with the VA, and more recently he volunteered for the National Park Service in several different capacities including as an electrician, back country patrol, and birding tour guide with his wife. He especially enjoyed spending time with his four beloved grandchildren and camping with family.
Allen was preceded in death by his father, Charles Wilson of Tallahassee, FL.
He was survived by his wife of 40 years, Becky Wilson of Lake City, FL; children, Bobby (Cheryl) Wilson of Borger, TX and Chris (Tammi) Wilson of Lake City, FL; grandchildren, Matthew (7), Reese (6), Jon Luc (6), and Haley (2); mother, Kathleen Wilson of Tallahassee, FL; siblings, Susan (Scott) Howard of Tallahassee, FL and Dennis (Sheryll) Wilson of Hialeah, FL; 3 nieces; 4 nephews; numerous cousins; aunts; uncles; and friends across the country.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to:
Friends of Padre
PO Box 18108
Corpus Christie, TX 78418
or online at:
https://www.friendsofpadre.com/pages/contributions
Friends of Padre is an organization based on Padre Island National Seashore in Texas which supports beach clean-up and animal conservation efforts. Allen enjoyed the National Seashore and participated in volunteer efforts coordinated by Friends of Padre.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am., Friday, May 29, 2020 at the Kirby & Family Funeral Home in Bull Shoals, Arkansas.
Arrangements are by Kirby & Family Funeral and Cremation Services.