Bobby G. Wilson

Bobby Gene Wilson, 94, of Hot Springs passed away January 23, 2021. Bob was born in Alma, Arkansas to the late David and Mary Thurman Wilson. He spent his boyhood in the rural quietness of the countryside, but moved to bustling Detroit, Michigan in his early teens.

In 1944, Bob joined the Navy just shy of his 17th birthday. After training at Camp Wallace in Texas, Bob served in Algeria (North Africa) and eventually Naples, Italy. A distinguished WWII veteran, he was awarded the Victory Medal, American Area Campaign Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Area Campaign Medal.

Bob returned to Michigan after the war. He met Yvonne (Bonnie) Moore and proposed marriage after only the second date. Sometimes when telling this story he would say with a wink, “Probably should have had a third.” Bob and Bonnie were married from 1946 until she passed away in 2016. Together they raised five children Gale (Michael) Norris, Robbie (Richard) Zimmerman, Martha (Alan) Karas, Nora (Mark) Judis, and Tobe Wilson. They were also very proud of their fourteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and also a great-great-grandchild.

After a forty year career with the railroad, Bob retired and settled with Bonnie in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Much of their time was spent travelling across the country. Bob was a huge horse racing fan and tried to visit as many U.S. tracks as he could. He and Bonnie would regularly take cruises - once they even took all their children with them. Being a loyal Detroit Tiger fan was something he shared with his grandkids who would kindly keep him updated on all the games. Bob stayed current on sports, as well as, national events and was not shy about engaging in talks of politics and economy.

Bob and Bonnie were also gracious community volunteers. Bob’s favorite was the Wildlife Foundation, but they also volunteered at polling stations, The Jackson House, and outreach programs at their church, First Lutheran.

Bob will be interred at the National Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas during a private family ceremony.

Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.GrossFuneralHome.com