ANNA MARIA – Hundreds of friends and family members showed up at the Anna Maria General Store on Monday, July 22 to celebrate the life of George Wilson Jr.
Wilson passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday, July 8.
“One simple man brought all this,” Wilson’s friend, Bill Dye, said as he stood on the patio stage looking at the crowd that filled the patio and courtyard outside the General Store where Wilson worked for many years.
Concrete Edgar vocalist and guitarist, Mikey Silbaugh, provided the musical entertainment, joined by Morgan Bryant on vocals.
General Store owner Brian Seymour addressed the crowd and said, “I’m at a loss for words. I just want to thank you. George would have been so honored to look out and see this. He meant the world to me and my team and I know he meant the world to all of you. Rest easy buddy.”
D Coy Ducks bartender Brad Lisk then read a prayer that began with him saying, “Dear God, we remember with love and gratitude a life that touched us all,” and concluded with him saying, “Remember to bless each day and to live it to the full in honor of life itself and of George Wilson.”
Dee Brady traveled from Mexico to attend the celebration. She read aloud a tribute called “From Me to You, From Us to You,” written by Wilson’s close friend, Lou Ross. The tribute was filled with lyrical references from Wilson’s favorite band, The Beatles.
“I heard the news today, oh boy, what a hard day’s night. A day in the life no more. Hello, goodbye my friend, and a friend to all. As I went into a dream, I could see the majesty leaning over a Norwegian bed whispering let it be. Drifting off into the golden slumber you see the long and winding road, beginning your journey free as a bird. I’ve got a feeling you are on the ultimate magical mystery tour across the universe, heading down Penny Lane to Abbey Road … ” Brady said during her reading.
After the reading, a projection screen was set up and a video tribute compiled by David Huggins was shown.
Wilson’s friend, Phil Cruz, was the only attendee who wore a suit and tie.
“I know if I had passed away George would’ve come to my funeral dressed up in a suit and looking his best for me,” Cruz said.
Around 8:30 p.m., dozens of attendees walked down Pine Avenue, gathered along the Tampa Bay shoreline near the new City Pier and threw white carnations and roses into the bay.
The celebration then continued at D Coy Ducks in Holmes Beach and featured an all-star band led by guitarist R.J. Howson that included members of the Charlie Daniels Band and Dickey Betts’ band.
