Gilbert Claude Wilson Jr.

Adventurer and nature lover, Gilbert “Gib” Claude Wilson Jr., passed away on March 11, 2023, at the age of 78. He was born on January 8, 1945, to Ruth Kyle Wilson and Gilbert Claude Wilson in Fort Worth, Texas.

Tragically, his father was killed in a plane crash in 1948. Gib was also preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Wilson McMillin, his stepfather, Fred A. McMillin, and his stepsister, Judy McMillin Lorentz.  He is survived by his stepbrother-in-law, Joe Lorentz, and many faithful family friends.

Gib graduated from the University of North Texas with a BA in advertising graphics. Following college, he served six years in the Texas National Guard.  For 35 years, Gib Wilson was a Merchant Mariner, reaching the rank of Third Officer.  

After 9/11, Gib was responsible for piloting Federal Marshals to inspect ships anchored offshore in San Francisco.

After truly sailing the Seven Seas and traveling the world, Gib retired to Pittsburg and his favorite place on earth, his farm.

His legacy will be his philanthropy, as he has left for The Texas Nature Conservancy his farmland and the Wilson Family Scholarship Fund assets to help educate students at the Northeast Texas Community College.  Among several other charities, Gib left meaningful gifts to the Pittsburg Police Department, Fire Department, Sheriff’s Office, and the Pittsburg-Camp County Public Library.

There will be a celebration of his life graveside at Rose Hill Cemetery on Saturday, May 20th, at 10:30.