Gene Wilson, age 85, of Flora, IL passed away at 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 05, 2013 at Flora Rehab & Healthcare Center in Flora.

Gene was born October 14, 1927 in Orchardville, IL to Roosevelt and Elizabeth (Keen) Wilson. He married Sylvia Mae Furry on May 21, 1949 in Kentucky. Gene and Sylvia’s dedicated marriage and years of devotion to each other was an inspiration to many.

Gene along with his brother owned and operated Wilson Motor Sales in Flora for over 50 years. He served in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954 and was a member of First United Methodist Church in Flora. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and member of Flora Masonic Lodge #204, Clay County Shrine Club, Flora Elks Lodge, and the American Legion. Gene also enjoyed fishing.

He is survived by his wife: Sylvia Wilson of Flora; sister-in-law: Marjorie Wilson of Flora; nieces and nephews: Carolyn Applegate of Lansing, IL, Rosalee Spudich of Highland, IN, Kimberly (Duane) Crays of Flora, Dr. Calvin (Kim) Wilson of Flora; along with many special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Jon Wilson.

The funeral service for Gene Wilson will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 7, 2013 at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Interment will follow in Garrison Temple Cemetery in Keenes with military honors. Visitation will be from 9-10:30 a.m. followed by a Masonic Service at 10:30 a.m. on Friday at Frank & Bright Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.