Denton Wilson

Denton Parks Wilson passed away on January 20, 2015 at Haven Hospice in Chiefland, surrounded by his family after a long and wonderful life. He was 95 years old. Born July 11, 1919, in Seville, Georgia, he was the son of Larkin Winn Wilson and Clara Tippett Wilson. During his childhood, he moved with his family to Gainesville. He graduated from Gainesville High School and attended the University of Florida. He played in Gainesville baseball leagues and was an avid sports fan, particularly of the Florida Gators and the Atlanta Braves. He was a member of many organizations, including the American Legion, the University of Florida Alumni Association, the 75th Division Veterans Association, the Gainesville Quarterback Club, and the GHS Has Beens. Denton served in the 75th infantry division of the United States Army during World War II. He saw combat in France, Belgium, and Germany, and fought in the Battles of the Bulge (Ardennes) and the Central Europe Campaign. After the war, he married Marion Louise Stapleton of Gainesville, with whom he had three children. Together, Denton and Marion owned and operated Wilsons Furniture Store and Arlington Furniture Store. In the 1960s he became Administrator for the County Judge and later served as Alachua Countys Veterans Services Officer. When he retired in 1981, Denton and Marion moved to Cedar Key, Florida. They were active members of the Cedar Key Historical Society and other groups. For almost forty years, their home was a joyful gathering place for family and friends. Denton loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and exploring Floridas Gulf Coast. For nearly seventy years, Denton was a devoted husband to his wife Marion. He was an especially loving father and immeasurably proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Denton is survived by his wife Marion, 3 children, 6 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and 19 nieces and nephews. The children and their spouses are Linda Jane Wilson Cantrell (Fred) of Gainesville; Lawrence Wynn Wilson (Nanci) of Treasure Island, Florida; and Brian Parks Wilson (Amelia) of Oviedo and Cedar Key, Florida. His parents; his brother, Woodrow Wilson; and his sisters Elizabeth Wilson, Maurece Lloyd, and Willouise Robinson preceded him in death. His family thanks all those who lovingly cared for him in Ayers Health and Rehabilitative Center, Haven Hospice, and North Florida Regional Medical Center. A graveside service with military honors will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. in the Cedar Key Cemetery (Reverend Todd Pope presiding). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dentons memory to Ayers Health and Rehabilitative Center, Haven Hospice, or First Baptist Church of Cedar Key. Arrangements are under the direction of Knauff Funeral Home 715 W Park Ave, Chiefland, FL 232626 (352) 493-4777.