Larry "George" Wilson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2024, at the age of 77. Born in Rushville, Indiana, on February 13, 1947, George lived a life full of adventure and love.
George spent part of his childhood in Chicago and Round Lake, Illinois, from about age 7 to 13. Starting at a young age, during the summers, he would work on his Uncle Avery Corn's farm in Clarksburg, Indiana. At age 14, he moved full-time to Clarksburg to live with his Uncle Avery and Aunt Mary Corn, where he met his loving wife, Janice.
For 38 years, he resided at 3736 N County Road 150 West, Greensburg, Indiana, and in recent years, he enjoyed wintering in Florida. He loved riding his Harley Davidson and cherished his mornings at Storie's Restaurant in Greensburg, where he could enjoy breakfast with friends.
George was a dedicated worker with a career spanning several decades. He began his working life hauling grain and coal for Farm Bureau, then moved on to work for Barn's Equipment. After that, he spent about 10 years at Cummins Engine Company. Next, George drove a school bus for the Decatur County School System in the mornings and afternoons and painted grain elevators in between.
George joined Canal Barge Company in 1981, where he spent 30 years of his career. He started as a deckhand, moved up to a bargeman, then engineer, and finally achieved the role of chief engineer. He retired from Canal Barge Company in 2011, enjoying a well-deserved retirement after a long and admired career.
George had a passion for adventure and fun, whether hunting, building and driving race cars and motorcycles, traveling or flying remote control airplanes. He was also an enthusiast of woodworking and restored old cars and tractors. George had a mechanical knack for fixing things, building and remodeling. He remodeled all the outbuildings at his country home, both inside and out. He had a collection of trucks, Jeeps, and other toys, showcasing his love for mechanics and machinery. It has been said that George could fix anything and he was always willing to lend a hand to his friends and family. George was action-oriented and took initiative to get things done.
George's adventures were numerous and varied. He took memorable motorcycle trips, all over the U.S. including a coast-to-coast journey totaling 7,313 miles. George had at least one memorable near-death experience when he was trapped under a dump truck bed. He always said if it wasn't dangerous, it wasn't any fun, a motto he lived by throughout his career and personal life.
An avid hunter, George loved squirrel, rabbit, and deer hunting, and once even killed a bobcat while deer hunting in Mississippi. He had a particular fondness for high-powered rifles and loved shooting.
George's adventurous spirit extended to his travels. He spent two months traveling to Alaska in an RV, creating unforgettable memories. For their 50th wedding anniversary, George and Janice celebrated with a trip of a lifetime to Italy, creating cherished memories that they would hold dear forever.
George's legacy of adventure, dedication, and love will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, James and Verna Wilson, and his sister, Elaine Wilson, George will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
George is survived by his loving wife, Janice Wilson, and their children: Julie (Tim) Herbert, Brandon Wilson, and Randi (Eric) Coons Field. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Kaitlin (Bradlee) Gwinnup, Ethan Herbert, Asher (Ashley) Coons, Jacob (Olivia) Coons, Dylan (Aaliyah) Coons, and Lukas Coons, and his great-grandchildren: Hendrix Richard Lee Gwinnup, Paisley Grace Coons, Ivy Jo Coons, and Wrenley Denise Coons. His family brought immense joy and pride to his life.
Visitation for friends and family will be held Monday, August 19, 2024, at New Point Christian Church (1815 S Co Rd 800 E) starting at 11 am. A celebration of life funeral service will start at 1 pm. The burial will immediately follow at Shiloh Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Our Hospice or New Point Christian Church in George's name. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com
