Gary Patrick Wilson

“

Gary’s greatest joys were found in his family, his home, and the simple things that brought him happiness.

Gary Patrick Wilson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away at his home on August 24, 2026, at the age of 77.

Gary was born in New York on August 7, 1949, and later raised his family in Yardley, Pennsylvania. He and his family eventually made Charlotte, North Carolina, their home, where he had been a resident for more than 20 years.

Gary dedicated many years of his career to TIAA-CREF in Charlotte and previously worked and later owned, New York City Press. While his career was an important part of his life, Gary’s greatest joys were found in his family, his home, and the simple things that brought him happiness.

Gary had an immeasurable passion for gardening. He spent countless hours—and truly, countless years—tending to his backyard garden. Gardening was more than a hobby for Gary; it was a source of tremendous joy and something he poured his time, patience, and care into.

“

Gardening was more than a hobby for Gary; it was a source of tremendous joy and something he poured his time, patience, and care into.

His family was at the center of his life. Gary especially loved shopping for his grandchildren at Christmas. He took great pride in finding the perfect gifts for each child and was famously meticulous about keeping records of who received what, making sure everything was always fair. His careful lists and thoughtful gift-giving became part of the family tradition and are memories his grandchildren will carry with them.

Gary had a way of becoming known wherever he went. After more than two decades in Charlotte, he was a familiar face at his local grocery store and at a nearby restaurant he frequented. The people who knew him there loved him, and his presence became part of the fabric of those places. Gary had a gift for making connections with people, and he will be remembered not only by his family and friends, but also by the many people whose lives he touched in the ordinary moments of everyday life.

Gary was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth, his father Patrick and his stepfather, Pat Galizio.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen “Kathi” Wilson; his sons, Brian Wilson and Dan Wilson (Megan); his grandchildren, Sylas, Deacon, Evelyn, and Zander; his sister, Debbie (Jim), and their daughter, Elizabeth; and his sister, Betty, and her daughter, Dawn.

“

Gary especially loved shopping for his grandchildren at Christmas.

Gary will be remembered for his love of family, his generosity, his meticulous nature, his passion for gardening, and the genuine connections he made with the people around him. His family will cherish the memories of his thoughtful gifts, his garden, and the many everyday moments that made him who he was.

Gary will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 28, 2026, from 12:00–1:00 p.m. at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home, followed by a service at 1:00 p.m.