Freddie E. "Whitie" Wilson

Fred E. “Whitie” Wilson, 90 and ½ years well lived, passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at St. Vincent Hospital following a brief illness.

He was born November 5, 1932, in Sidman, PA, a son of the late Marvin Vale and Goldie (Miller) Wilson.

Fred was a 1950 graduate of South Fork High School in South Fork, PA. Upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving four years during the Korean War. Honorably discharged from the Navy, he relocated to Fairview and began selling Elby Homes, making families dreams come true. Many are still lived in and around Fairview today. He eventually started Fred Wilson Construction. Over 20 years operating heavy equipment, excavating sites, and burying cable for General Telephone Co. Later he moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL and worked for Domino’s Pizza helping construct new franchises. Moving to Umatilla, FL he obtained employment with the Prism Co. and sold chemicals and repaired commercial dishwashers. After he retired, he enjoyed working in his garage on small engines of all kinds.

He was an avid fisherman enjoying the many freshwater lakes around his home in Umatilla, FL. While living in Pennsylvania he spent many years deer hunting with his brothers, son and friends. He also hunted rabbits and squirrels with his beloved beagles. He was also a Boy Scout leader for a few years in the Fairview area.

He was a member of the Zem Zem Motor Corps in Erie. His 1968 Honda dream still sits in his son’s office today. While in Florida he became Past Master Mason at the Umatilla Lodge #65.

Eventually he returned to the Girard area to be near family and friends. He enjoyed camping trips to Hearts Content with a close family friend Donna Munch along with the labs, Molly, and Charlie. On any given day you could find him enjoying a cold Busch at the Springfield VFW Post #4965. Sitting at the gentleman’s table with the guys. He loved chatting on his phone or computer. Everyone who knew him has a “Fred Story” to tell…

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his companion of 35 years, Marge Arnett, his daughter-in-law, Debbie Wilson, three brothers, Eugene, James, and William Wilson.

He will be greatly missed by his family which include his ex-wife, Maryjane Wilson of Palm Beach, FL, sons, Fred E. Wilson Jr. of Leesburg, FL, Rick Wilson (Sherry) of Girard; daughter, Wilma Jean Bechtel (Barry) of Lantana, FL; brother, Gary Wilson (Donna) of Melbourne, FL; grandchildren, Ryan Wilson, Tana Wilson (Dane) of Florida, Whittany Keating (David) of Hayden, CO, Kara Wilson of Denver, CO, five great grandchildren, Travis, Andrew, Tristen, Reef and Finn and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Springfield VFW Post #4965 13755 Chestnut St., West Springfield, PA  16443.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Edder Funeral Home Inc. Girard.

 To send condolences go to edderfuneralhome.com.

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