John “Jack” “Abner” Wilson, 60, of Fort Pierce, Fla., and the Bahamas, a former Oil City resident, died Thursday, July 10, 2008, in Fort Pierce, following an extended illness.

He was born Jan. 4, 1948, in Chicago, a son of the late Donald C. and Eileen Fisher Wilson.

He lived in Oil City into his teen years when his family moved to Lake Worth, Fla. While in Oil City he attended Oil City High School where he wrestled and played on the varsity football team.

Upon graduating from Lake Worth High School, where he also played football, he attended Palm Beach Junior College and received his associate of science degree. Following graduation he joined the Florida Highway Patrol and moved to Clermont, Fla.

Leaving the highway patrol in the early 1980s, Mr. Wilson entered the agricultural business as a citrus production manager. The job took him to Fort Pierce and the Bahamas, where he had lived since.

He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying both hunting and deep-sea fishing (both of which resulted in stories and escapades that will be repeated for many years).

Surviving are his wife, Mary Jeanne Wilson of Fort Pierce; two sons, Casey Wilson of Clearwater, Fla., and Travis Wilson of Orlando, Fla.; a brother, Rick Wilson and his wife Sue of Crestview, Fla.; and a sister, Deborah Wilson of Sioux Falls, S.D.

He also is survived by a number of cousins, including Terry Penrod of Largo, Fla.; Bob Emery, Bill “Moose” Emery and Jim Emery, Bob McSparren and his wife Karen, Mike McSparren and his wife Debbie and Matt McSparren and his wife Karen, all in the Oil City area; and Wendy McSparren of Verona.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, George and Myrtle Wilson; his maternal grandparents, Cecil and Ina Grace Calvert; and a number of aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Treasure Coast Hospice, 1201 S.E. Indian St., Stuart, Fla., 34997.

Arrangements are being handled by Haisley Funeral & Cremation Service.

A guest book may be signed at www.haisleyfuneralhome.com.