Paul Lawrence Wilson

Paul Lawrence Wilson passed away on May 5, 2020, after a long and enjoyable life.

Paul was born in Santa Maria, California on September 30, 1942 to Reverend Alice Olivia Brees-Wilson and Reverend Delton Odis Wilson. During his youth, he helped his parents start and build the Whosoever Will Pentecostal Church of Santa Maria. As a young man, Paul learned his trade as a butcher at Scolari’s Market, which would continue to serve him and his family well.

Paul married Mary Jean Reynolds and had three children. The first, Paula, was born in Seward, Alaska and Paul, Jr. and Alice were born in Santa Maria. After Alice was born, Paul and his family moved back to the place he loved most, Alaska. He settled in Palmer and worked as a butcher at Koslosky’s Market, and D & A Super Grocery Store, where his customers looked forward to his friendly greeting and ready smile. In time, Paul became a Correctional Officer at Palmer Correctional Center. After retiring, he put his skill as a storyteller to work as a bus driver and tour guide, entertaining tourists in Denali Park.

After working at Denali, he bought a motor home and lived the remainder of his life traveling the U.S. and Canada, as well as taking a trip to Europe. He spent his summers at his home in Palmer, Alaska and explored the U.S. in the winter and spring. He made sure to end up in Phoenix during wrestling season to cheer on the wrestling teams coached by his son, Paul. The wrestlers looked for and appreciated their most loyal fan in the stands. When in Palmer, Paul could be seen swapping stories and laughing with his buddies, during breakfast at the Palmer Hotel Café. In the winter, Paul and his Palmer friends, Anne, Ed, and Jackie traveled down to Ajo, AZ. He greatly appreciated their care and the companionship during his last few months. Thank you Jackie, for accompanying him on his last journey down the Alcan Highway; he truly enjoyed every minute.

Paul was a loving father and loved his family and friends immensely. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Edith Delane Wilson, Eva Mae Wilson-Riddle and Jean Anne Wilson-Robbins-England. He is survived by his big brother Delton David Wilson, daughter, Paula Jean (Luke) Werner, son, Paul Lawrence (Kimberly) Wilson, Jr. and daughter, Alice Mae Watson. Paul is also survived by his seven grand-children, Caitlyn Jean (Ryan) Baxter, Dawson Elaine (Quinn) Nardini, Jaimie Marie Wilson, Kelcie Elizabeth Wilson, Riley Joseph Harrington, Alexandria Mae Watson, and Brittyn Lee Werner, as well as his great grandchildren, Huntyr Lucas and Irelynn Jean Borum.

Paul’s ashes will be spread in Resurrection Bay in Seward, Alaska. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the American Diabetes Association would be appreciated.

Paul never met a stranger. Every person in the world, to him, was just a friend he hadn’t met yet. He was admired for his positive personality, great advice and wit. Paul Lawrence Wilson will be extremely missed.