Mr. David Ott Wilson, age 62, passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2023 after staging a nine-year, world-class battle against mantle cell lymphoma at his beloved home at Gypsy Wilde Farm on the Florida Panhandle. He was born on September 15, 1960 in Houston, Texas to Flint and Dell Wilson. As all who knew and loved him will understand, he made sure he was sporting one of his favorite Hawaiian shirts as he prepared to meet his Lord and Savior.

Mr. Wilson was a resident of Freeport, Florida. At two years old David's family moved from Houston, Texas to Osyka, Mississippi where he later enrolled in Osyka Elementary before completing high school at Parklane Academy in 1978. He continued his education in landscape architecture at Mississippi State University while proudly serving in the Mississippi National Guard. He later joined the United States Air Force where he continued his calling in the medical lab field as a technician and as an instructor. His service to his country in the Air Force took he and his family, with David's first wife Shelby D. Wilson, to Lackland Air Force Base (AFB), Lajes AFB in Azores, Portugal, Barksdale AFB, Eskan Village, Saudi Arabia and he finished his Air Force career at Scott AFB.

As detailed above, David's life was filled with service to others and his country. When he had time for himself, many of his most loved personal moments came when he wandered the woods along the creek at his Gypsy Wilde Farm or worked in his garden. He strongly believed that magic happened when friends and family gathered around the table, his meals and hospitality were a heartfelt testament to that.

Mr. Wilson was preceded in death by his father and mother; sister, Patricia "Patti" Wilson Bradshaw of Springfield, Virginia; brother, Donald Flint Wilson of Houston, Texas; and his beloved canine companion, Freckles.

Mr. Wilson is survived by his loving and devoted wife of eight years, Elizabeth (Lissa) Andrews Wilson; daughters, Mallory Wilson Reusch and her husband Dan of St. Louis, Missouri and Marissa Wilson Fuller and her husband David; granddaughter, Melba Jean; and grandson, Russell Thomas of Gonzales, Louisiana; one brother, Marc Darden Wilson and his wife Teresa of Madison, Mississippi; and one sister Elizabeth (Beth) Wilson Roberts of Houston, Texas; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves Lissa's children, Christopher Scott (Maggie) of Arlington, Virginia and William Scott (Dennis) of Hoover, Alabama.

The specific details of a celebration of David's life to be held at his beloved Gypsy Wilde Farm on May 20, 2023 will be announced later. It is anticipated the celebration will include many of his loves, including Mississippi State cheese, shrimp and grits, fried chicken, etc. all served by family members sporting their favorite "David approved" Hawaiian themed attire.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wreaths Across America at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org, Alaqua Animal Refuge at www.alaqua.org or the Fisher House Foundation www.fisherhouse.org.