Gerald was born in the piney woods of east Texas, in Atlanta, Texas, on October 19, 1937, to Johnny and Virginia Wilson. Shortly after his birth, the family moved west of Wichita Falls, Texas, where his father worked in the oil field tank truck business. As a youth, Gerald spent a great deal of time with his beloved aunt and uncle on their farm in southern Oklahoma.

Gerald graduated from Wichita Falls high school in 1955 and received a Bachelor of Science degree from North Texas University in marketing and was a member of the Signa Nu fraternity. He also served four years with the army and the Texas 49th national guard armor division.

Upon graduating from North Texas University, he was hired into the executive training program with continental insurance company in Dallas, Texas.

After twelve years of working for the insurance company, he became an independent agent in Del Rio, Texas opening Gerald Wilson insurance agency where he was active in his agency up till six months of his passing.

Gerald was an active volunteer in civic affairs holding offices in the Del Rio chamber of commerce, Laughlin military base affairs, Del Rio rotary club, middle Rio Grande development, San Felipe country club, Amistad Lake bass clubs, elks lodge, and others.

An avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer, he spent many hours with his two sons, grandchildren, and friends enjoying the outdoors, his real passion.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, johnny and Virginia Wilson. He is survived by his wife, Janis of 63 years, two sons, Craig and Corey, and grandchildren Cailyn, Colin, and Parker.

A celebration of life ceremony will take place on February 10, 2024, beginning at 10am at The First Christian church located at 2101 N. Main St. in Del Rio, Texas for all friends, family, and associates.