Gary Wilson Obituary

Gary Lee Wilson MT. PLEASANT - Gary Lee Wilson, 83, Mount Pleasant, SC, finished his long race against Parkinson's Disease by passing peacefully into eternal rest on August 17. Born in Odessa, Texas, Gary spent his youth in Wewoka, OK, excelling in sports and receiving a track scholarship to Oklahoma Baptist University, where he earned a degree in in Physical Education and English. At OBU, he set numerous school records and won NAIA championships in 1963 & 1964 in the 880-yard run, becoming the first OBU student-athlete to earn an individual national title. He earned a Master's degree from the University of Tennessee, where he continued competing with the Knoxville Track Club. Gary taught and coached track at West Georgia College before returning to UT for a doctoral degree in Health Education. He then taught and coached at Valdosta State College prior to joining the faculty at The Citadel in Charleston, SC in 1976. In addition to teaching, Gary advised several student clubs and coached the Cycling Club Team. He retired from teaching in 2006 but continued as a Citadel track coach until 2014 after inspiring many to be their best as athletes, coaches, and teachers. An avid sportsman, Gary loved being active and outside. He became a bicycle rider/racer and continued pursuing camping and hunting. He developed a love for sailing, target shooting and SCUBA diving (instructor), which he continued as long as he was able. He also enjoyed traveling in his camper to national parks and sailing or flying to diving sites. His many civic and professional activities included serving on the original Cooper River Bridge Run Committee and as race starter for many years. As a leader, Gary served as president of the Charleston Affiliate of the American Lung Association, the Coastal Cyclists, the Palmetto Gun Club, and SCAHPERD (the state health and physical education organization). Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Helen Orr Wilson and Claude Wilson. He is survived by his wife, Josey Hough Templeton; sons, David Wilson, Paul Wilson, and Brian Templeton (Karen); grandchildren, Connor Wilson, Joseph and Cora Templeton; and sister, JoAnn Dinwiddie (Jerry). He is also survived by his former wife, Elizabeth Wilson Adams. A celebration of life will be held at John Wesley United Methodist Church, 626 Savannah Highway, at 11 a.m., on Saturday, September 6, 2025. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to MUSC Movement Disorders Program, Parkinson's Foundation, National Parks Conservation Association, or ETV Endowment SC.