Gerald D. Wilson Sr.

Gerald Dewayne Wilson, Sr. was born in St. Louis, Missouri on October 1, 1955, to Isaac Polk and Ozella Wilson. Gerald attended the Alton School District. He furthered his education and graduated from Job Corps. While attending Job Corps, he acquired a trade in bricklaying. After graduating, Gerald enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. There he served his country from 1975–1978. He did a tour in Okinawa, Japan and was stateside at Camp Pendleton (CA). Gerald achieved the rank of Lance Corporal. After being honorably discharged, Gerald returned to Alton, Illinois where he pursued his bricklaying career. He was gainfully employed at US Steel for over 30 years, remaining there until he retired. He was a member of the Steel Workers Union, Ekon Benefit Union, and the Bricklayers Union. He also volunteered at Rolling Hill’s Golf Course. Gerald’s first marriage produced 4 children before the marriage dissolved. In 2009, Gerald met the love of his life, Kimberly Day, and later they married in 2016. Gerald loved working with his hands. He was always thinking of what he could fix, create, build, or tear up with execution. Some of his work can be seen around Alton, such as mailboxes, walkways, decks, fireplaces, and various other projects. Gerald also loved playing golf with a few of his friends, especially Bert Henderson. When not on the golf course, he enjoyed playing the guitar, talking on his CB radio, making others laugh, fishing, and most of all, spending time with his grandchildren, family, and friends. Gerald has always loved serving the Lord and singing in the choir. Later in life, he was enlightened and looked through different lenses on life. He read the Bible for himself. He later joined the Order of Melchizedek Church to further his understanding of the Bible. From there, Gerald couldn’t stop spreading the gospel to family, friends, and anyone who wanted to listen. Gerald departed this life, January 21, 2026. He was blessed with 70 years, 3 months, and 20 days. Preceding him in death was his father, Isaac Polk; stepfather, DeWitt Hare; brother, Gregory Wilson; sister, Aleatha Riddlespriger; mother-in-law, Pearley Day. Those left to cherish Gerald’s memories and celebrate his life are his wife, Kimberly Wilson; five sons, Gerald Wilson, Jr. (Maude), Joseph Wilson (Heather), Matthew Wilson, Nicholas Williams, and Xavier Williams; two daughters, Jasmine Berry James (Daryl) and Christal Haynes; mother, Ozella Hare; father-in-law, John Day; seven sisters, Deborah Penny (Ross), Phyllis Russell, Kathryn Riddlespriger, and Debra Ann Foster (Anthony), Channon Gant (Ty’Ron), Theresa Williams, and Deon Day; three brothers, James Mann, Ronald Riddlespriger (Angela), Michael Riddlespriger; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Gerald D. Wilson Sr.

October 1, 1955 - January 21, 2026