Ronald W. Wilson

Born February 14, 1959 in Peoria to Ronald Wayne, Sr. and Judith Diane (Dewey) Wilson, he married Wendy Sue Wisher on October 20, 1979 in Peoria. She passed away on December 10, 2021.

He also was preceded in death by his parents; maternal grandparents, Ralph and Helen Dewey; paternal grandmother, Maybelle Schutz and five brothers, James Eads, Dennis Eads, Timothy Eads, Gregory Eads and Timothy Wilson.

Surviving are six children, Joseph (Kayla) Wilson of Clarksville, Missouri, Crystal Wilson of Gainesville, Missouri, Eric (Jenifer) Wisher of Pekin, Sharon Justice of Pekin, Ryan (Jessica) Wilson of Riverton and Emily (Adam) Hahn of Pekin; 22 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ronald Eric Wilson of Virginia and Brian Wilson of Mountain View, Missouri; first wife and enduring friend, Ronda Foster and longtime friend and employee of 30 years, Kelly Pritchard.

Ron owned and operated Wilson Towing and Auto Repair for 27 years in Pekin, and later, Wilson Auto Sales for an additional 22 years.

He was a member of the Illinois Towing Association, the Professional Towing and Recovery Operators of Illinois and the Southside Business Association of Pekin. While operating his businesses, Ron worked alongside many family members.

Ron was a beloved member of the racing community for over 40 years, most notably racing the number 28. He started in the late 1970’s at Peoria Speedway, was a four-time season champion in the Thunder Truck series at Spoon River Speedway, a multiple feature winner of the Illinois Vintage Racing, and was inducted into the Peoria Oldtimers Racing Club Hall of Fame in 2023. Ron was a push truck driver and helping hand at several local tracks. Racing was a family sport for not only Ron but also his sons, daughters, grandchildren, in-laws, and employees. One of his most memorable wins was on asphalt at Wisconsin Dells in his vintage Herb Shannon, Sr. tribute 1967 Mercury Comet where he won by mere inches.

Never knowing a stranger, Ron loved to tell stories. He also had a love for auctions and a passion for classic cars. His greatest accomplishment was his family.

His funeral will be at noon Thursday, July 11, 2024 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Jim Dawson will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 TAPS Lane, Pekin, Illinois 61554 or to the Don Bohlander Parkinson’s FundRACERS, 2213 September Lane, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com