Our dear father, Gary Lee Wilson, passed from his earthly existence on September 20, 2025.  Gary was born in Helper, Utah, to Emmett (Dick) Wilson and Mary Passic Wilson on September 25, 1939.  His mother affectionately called him “Chub” for most of his childhood in Kenilworth, Utah. Gary married the love of his life, Jolene Bonacci, on August 19, 1961. They had two children, Michael Lee Wilson and Terie Kay Wilson (Maxfield).

Gary was an educator for the Carbon School District.  He began his career at Reeves Elementary and then taught at Sally Mauro Elementary.  He later became a principal at Reeves Elementary, Price Middle School, and Helper Jr. High School.  He combined his love for sports and his love of teaching, coaching 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade recreational football teams in Helper. Many students were mentored and encouraged by Mr. Wilson throughout his career.

Gary loved the outdoors.  He spent many weekends hunting, fishing, and camping with family and friends. He enjoyed passing this love to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his son, Michael Wilson (Jamie) of Island Park, Idaho, and his daughter, Terie Kay Maxfield (Scott) of Hooper, Utah.  His grandchildren, Mikhail Maxfield (Shalyn) of Hyrum, Utah, Colin Maxfield (Allison), Tremonton, Utah, and Shelby Wilson of Hotchkiss, Colorado. Five step-grandchildren, Brittany, Patrick, Hunter, Matthew, and Kiefer; along with his eight great-grandchildren who loved their “Papa the Grape” dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Jolene; and brother, Ronald Wilson.

A special thanks to Candace Nelson Neumeier and Piajie Harmon Parker for their love and support of our Dad while he lived in Price.

Visitation, Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 5:00-7:00 p.m., at Mitchell Funeral Home in Price. Funeral Mass, Thursday, September 25, 2025, 10:00 a.m., at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Helper where family and friends are invited to come celebrate Gary’s life on his birthday. Committal service will follow in the Mt. View Cemetery in Helper.

Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends and family are always welcome daily and may share memories of Gary online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.