ROBERT ALLAN “BOB” WILSON (1942-2025)
Bob Wilson of Ponte Vedra, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on June 26, 2025. He was known for his love for others and heart to serve them in a spiritual way.
Bob was born in Bakersfield, California, on August 11, 1942, to Alton Ellis and Martha Virginia (Portman) Wilson. He was the middle of two brothers, Donald Bruce and James Alton Wilson. He married his first wife and together they had one child, Erin Kathleen. During Erin’s marriage to Larry Wheeler, he became a grandfather of three, Ashlin, Larry Third (LT) and Joy. As a teen he traveled and lived internationally because his dad served as a US government health and welfare agent. Bob attended Napa Senior High School where he thrived playing football and was given the nickname “Bugs”.
After high school he was employed by Western Electric then joined the California Army National Guard. Bob served during the Vietnam era. Upon completion of his military service, he completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation. He worked for several years for the YMCA specializing in troubled teens. Bob also designed and led weeks long back country backpack trips with the goal of helping them see and make better choices for themselves. Bob loved snow skiing, especially cross country, and designed and led trips for others wanting to join in back country snow. With his passion for skiing, he opened a retail sporting goods store and then specialized in ski and equipment rentals for both downhill and cross-country styles.
Bob committed his heart and life to Jesus Christ August 11, 1984, and what a birthday celebration he enjoyed. He now had a spiritual birthday to celebrate every year. As his spiritual maturity grew, he led and taught various Bible studies with teens, men and adults, served as a church board member participated in choir cantatas, developed and hosted church burger bashes.
Bob had a desire to assist his church pastor with ministering and counseling people and hopefully lift some of the responsibilities from the pastor’s shoulders so he could better serve the church and congregation. He closed his retail store and with his passion for ministry, he obtained a master’s degree in biblical counseling and then became an Ordained Minister.
Bob met Suzi Cole in the church setting and together they developed a singles ministry in which he continued to teach and lead Bible studies. He continued to teach and work with the youth groups. Three years later, Bob and Suzi were married on November 27, 1993. During 32 years of marriage, they served together in ministry, both as Biblical counselors and a desire to love and help others in numerous ways. Bob obtained certification as a Chaplain with the International Federation of Christian Chaplains, AACC Crisis Counselor and several titles of ministry for other organizations. He pastored a church at Lake Berryessa, California.
After his daughter graduated from college, Bob began riding motorcycles again, which he did as a child. He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson and participated for over 20 years with Veteran’s Without Families, and Patriot Guard Riders. These groups stand with families when their veteran loved one passes, and they stand as the only family if no one could be found. He acted as Chaplain and delivered some of the eulogies for the fallen vets. Bob joined the American Legion Riders snd he participated with the Run For The Wall groups and rode from California to the Vietnam Wall in Washington DC several times to honor vets and join Memorial Day ceremonies. He became involved in local politics and has assisted with voter poll watching and various duties to MAGA.
As the Lord brought new friends into Bob's life, he not only enjoyed fellowshipping, traveling and laughing with them, he had an ear for many of his childhood stories. His main concern with others was about their spiritual lives. He spent many hours praying, studying, writing and erasing and writing again, a Bible study. Bob researched scriptures in a variety of ways so he could offer insights and help others grow in Christ. He did the same when counseling or mentoring others; a gift he gladly shared. His greatest pleasure was when someone shared how they had overcome a hardship or had some victory in his/her life. His joy was to see others apply the scriptures to their lives and develop healthy, happy families.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Martha; and his two brothers, Don and Jim.
Bob will be remembered at Crosswater Community Church, 211 Davis Park Rd. Ponte Vedra, Florida, 32081, July 10, 2025. Donations to Crosswater would be greatly appreciated.
