Steven James Wilson's Obituary
Celebrating the Life of Steven James Wilson January 12th, 1961 – June 2nd, 2026 “Proverbs 3:5-6” We celebrate the beautiful life of Steven James “Steve” Wilson, a man who placed Christ first and filled every day with purpose. His kind, confident, loyal, creative, responsible spirit and warm smile touched every corner of his world. Born in Madison, Indiana, Steve lived his faith openly, believing each relationship and endeavor should reflect God’s light. Friends often said he walked a hero’s path, guided by unwavering trust in his Savior. Meeting Sheila in Panama City Beach, FL while airbrushing t-shirts at Bogie’s Cafe while she waitressed going through nursing school led to beautiful marriage on July 22, 1983.
Steve loved his country deeply. He served as a Sergeant in the USMCR from 1979 to 1985, then as a proud member of the USAFR 70th APS at Homestead ARB, Florida, from 2005 to 2021, completing four deployments to Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan before retiring as a Master Sergeant. Away from active duty, Steve spent 30 years as a Multimedia Graphic Designer and Illustrator. He later found great fulfillment as a Training Tech for the 91st ARS at MacDill AFB. Creativity followed him home. An avid reader and writer, he authored four published military-fiction books, loved running, working in the yard whenever he could. He loved being “Grandpa” telling them silly stories, reading to them and playing with them. Evenings at home with Sheila he loved dancing in the living room with her to the song “Perfect” or just sitting on the couch with her, hand in hand after 43 years together. These were some of his favorite moments. Family remained his greatest joy.
Steve is cherished by his wife Sheila Elaine Gibson Wilson; sons Adam David Wilson and Luke Daniel Wilson; daughters-in-law Amy Rennie Wilson and Nicole Klepacki Wilson;granddaughters Norah Claire, Sophie Chessa, Grace Abigail, and grandson Micah Henry; mother Charlene Bruner Collier and step-dad William Collier; brother Michael Wilson and sister-in-law Karen Wilson; aunt Janice Bruner Higgins. He is also preceded in death by grandbaby Kaelin, nephew Mark Robert Wilson and his father, James William Wilson where they wait for him with Jesus Christ, in His loving mercy.
Steve was called home on June 2nd, 2026 at Bay Pines VA Hospice in St. Petersburg, Florida, as Sheila held him close during his final moments after a months-long battle with mid-brain glioblastoma. His deep faith never wavered, even in his hardest fight. He now rests with his Savior. Today we choose joy as we remember Steve’s abiding faith in Christ, his laughter, service, and well lived life. May every shared memory keep his bright legacy alive and inspire us to walk our own paths with the same steady faith and love.
Services will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home on June 23rd, 2026. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am. Funeral Service will follow at 10:30 am. Graveside service will be held at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida at 1:30 pm.
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