Mr. Robert "Bob" L. Wilson

Robert "Bob" Lee Wilson, born November 10, 1927, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to Joseph Frank Wilson and Gladys Margaret Wilson, joined his late wife, Bonnie Pauline Wilson, in Paradise on May 10, 2012. After graduating from Miami High School, Bob enlisted in the US Navy where he served proudly until being honorably discharged in 1949 shortly after he and Pauline eloped to Bentonville, Arkansas to be married. They set up house on J Street in Miami where he lived until his death. Bob was employed at BF Goodrich until he took early retirement when the plant closed in 1986. He then worked as the janitor for the First United Methodist Church for several years until he decided to just tinker around his garage and in the backyard. Many children and adults in town knew him as the "gum man" for years when he was in the habit of offering sticks of sugar-free chewing gum to everyone he met. He loved to bring a smile to a face. Bob served as Boy Scout Leader for many years, on the funeral detail with the American Legion and looked for ways to improve the community he loved in ways big and small. Bob is survived by one daughter, Rebecca "Becky" and husband Duane Russell of Denver, Colorado, and one son, R.Wes Wilson, MD, and wife Diane of Tulsa, Oklahoma, grandchildren Kirby Wilson, Spencer Wilson, Chelsea (Brian) Harding, Moriah Gosney and Ryan (Ramsee) Gosney and five great grandchildren. Robert is also survived by brothers Dale Wilson and wife Pat of Bluejacket, Oklahoma and Dave Wilson and wife Kathy of DeFuniak Springs, Florida, numerous nieces and nephews and his fat, old, lazy dog Trixie. Robert was preceded in death by his sister Mary Margaret Bailey. The family extends special heartfelt thanks to Steve and Becky Shipman, Whitney Bailey, Lois Poe and Mabel Dowler who collectively made it possible for Bob to stay on J Street. There will be a time of visitation for Bob at the First United Methodist Church Parlor from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Monday, May 14, 2012. Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 10:00 AM with Reverend Kathy Leithner officiating. Interment will follow at the Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery in Miami under the direction of the Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Miami. Bob didn't much care for the color black so please wear something else to the funeral! The family requests Memorial donations be made to the First United Methodist Church to reflect their deep appreciation for the outpouring of love and support.

Mr. Robert "Bob" L. Wilson

November 10, 1927 - May 10, 2012