HARRY SYLVESTER WILSON III

Harry Sylvester Wilson III, 72, died unexpectedly, yet peacefully Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at home.

Harry was born Feb. 15, 1952, in Ferndale, to the late Harry and Dagmara (Tarnow) Wilson, II. On May 3, 1975, he married the love of his life, Cynthia Stamm, and looked forward to celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this May. Harry began his 40-plus year career at Decorative Panel International (Abitibi Price) in 1970 working as a press operator until he became a licensed electrician, working in the maintenance department for the remainder of his career. He also owned Wilson Electric where he enjoyed working closely with his son.

Harry had a love for fast cars his entire life. He spent his young adult life racing cars in the NHRA circuit. He was frequently found in his garage working on his 1966 Corvette, which he restored many times over the years. He looked forward to Corvette rides and weekly lunches with his friends from The Corvette Club. When he wasn’t tinkering on his car, he was restoring antique boats or rebuilding antique Mercury outboards. Harry also had a passion for hunting and fishing. He spent time fishing with his grandsons on Long Lake and the Thunder Bay River. He also loved going out on the “Big Lake” with his son searching for salmon and lake trout. Harry had many hunting adventures including traveling to Colorado shooting elk and traveling to South Dakota in search of prairie dogs. He spent many hours at his camp, White Birch, working his fields and baiting bears. His most recent accomplishment was hunting with his grandson and helping him harvest his first deer.

While Harry loved adventure, his greatest love was spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He attended every field trip and sporting event for his children, often driving in white-out conditions to hockey games or figure skating competitions. He took his family on many family vacations, most recently driving his grandsons to Alabama to enjoy the Gulf Coast, and traveling to Italy with his wife to see The Pope at The Vatican.

Harry was a devout Catholic who believed in honesty and hard work. He was incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments, knowing that his values were instilled in them.

Harry is survived by his beloved wife Cindy; their two children Jeff (Paula Werth) Wilson and Stephanie (Ken) Piper of Alpena; two grandsons Adam and Trevor Florip; and siblings Doreen (Joseph) McDonald of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Greg (Patty Knapp) Wilson of Freemont, California. He was preceded in death by his in-laws Martin and Della Stamm.

Friends may call at Bannan Funeral Home on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, between 2 and 8 p.m., with the Rosary prayed at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at St. Anne Church of All Saints Parish, with a Mass of Christian Burial following at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Aloysius Okpala officiating.

Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery

Memorials may be made to All Saints Parish