Bruce Millard Wilson

On January 16, 2025, Bruce Millard Wilson ended his long battle with Covid lung disease at the age of 89. Bruce ended his battle quietly, like he lived his life. He was a hard worker from his early childhood which was necessary growing up in the hills of western New York. He also had a special way of thinking, he never swore or raised his voice, and never met a dog that didn’t lick his hand. Bruce was always tall and muscular but loved peace, music (especially Spanish guitar), all outdoor animals, and especially his little dog Gracie. A self-employed heavy equipment operator, he worked from sunrise to after sunset his entire life to provide for his wife and six children.

Born October 22, 1935, to Millard and LeeAnna Wilson in Little Falls, N. Y., he was raised by his grandmother. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, the former Esther Laverne Addison, of Lakeland. He is also survived by their four daughters: Sabrina (Gary Hill), Terry Asher-Cannon (Terry Cannon), Tammy (Larry), Wendy (Doug Pike), and two sons: Sam (Sylvia Knox), and Jesse (Michelle Hennessey), and his sister Sue Byrd (Lloyd). Also 19 grandchildren, 19 Great Grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren,] who loved his stories about fishing, hunting, and ice skating on the Andover Pond, as did two young men who became like family to him, Joey Butler and Raul Robles. He is preceded in death by his two brothers Peter and Phillip Wilson of Perry, N.Y. 

We were lucky to have him in our lives and did not know it. His wife got the whole package, "Thank God, you found me". To those of us that truly knew you, the path will be a path of love forever. Thank you for all the wonderful memories. Rest in peace Dad.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 2 pm at Heath Funeral Chapel, 328 S. Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, Florida 33801 with services to follow at 3 pm.