Mr. Edward Bryan Wilson Jr.

Edward Bryan Wilson, Jr. of Gainesville, Florida, joyfully met his Savior face-to-face on August 25, 2023. Bryan was born in Madison, Florida, on June 19, 1936. He was the son of E. B. “Bub” Wilson and Ruby T. Wilson of Madison, Florida. Bryan graduated from Madison High School in 1954 and attended the University of Florida where he served as Vice President of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering in 1959. While attending UF, Bryan met and married the love of his life, Michaelena Marie Connolly, of St. Augustine, Florida. Bryan is a Life Loyal Tau. After serving in the Florida National Guard, Bryan began his career as an agricultural engineer in Orlando, Florida. He then worked for Florida Ford in Jacksonville and Tallahassee, Florida. In 1967, he was promoted to Southeastern District Sales Representative in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1969, Bryan moved the family to Birmingham, Michigan, upon being promoted to Ford Tractor and Implements Dealer Planning Section Supervisor at the world headquarters in Troy, Michigan. In October 1974, Bryan was named manager of the North Central District of Ford Motor Company’s Tractor and Implement Operations – North America. The North Central District coordinated the sales, service, and parts supply programs of Ford Tractor dealerships in Michigan’s lower Peninsula, Indiana, Ohio, half of Kentucky, and parts of Illinois, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. In 1979, Bryan retired to his family farm in Madison, Florida, where he was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Madison. A devoted son, husband, father, and grandfather, Bryan’s faith was his foundation and compass throughout life. Bryan’s New York-style cheesecake was legendary. He enjoyed driving his Ford tractor, raising Black Angus cattle, tending his vegetable garden, listening to traditional hymns, and cheering for his beloved Florida Gators. Bryan is predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Michaelena. He is survived by his son Edward Bryan Wilson, III (Mitzi) of Anchorage, Alaska; daughter Laura Lee Gallagher, of Tallahassee, Florida; six grandchildren Elsa Cruz (Gustavo), Edward Bryan Wilson IV (Jackie), Hannah Wilson, Charlie Gallagher, Elliott Wilson, and Evan Wilson; a sister-in-law Francis “Bebe” Acebal (Jack); and nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held on Monday 28, 2023, at 11:00AM at Beggs Funeral Home in Madison, Florida with visitation an hour prior. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to First Baptist Church of Madison or Samaritan’s Purse International Relief. For any questions, please call Beggs Funeral Home Madison Chapel at (850) 973-2258. Condolences may be left on our website at Beggsfuneral.com.

Mr. Edward Bryan Wilson Jr.

June 19, 1936 - August 25, 2023