Michael Wayne Wilson

Michael Wayne Wilson passed away suddenly on 12 December 2018. He was 58. While at work on the flight line at Eglin, he had a heart attack and died at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. Mike was born in Atmore, Al. He grew up running around the countryside hunting, fishing and generally worrying his mother.  After graduating from Ernest Ward High School, he constructed homes and worked on a shrimp boat.  

He decided to join the Air Force and became an Aircraft Maintenance Technician.  He worked on T-38’s at Holloman AFB, F-16’s at Mac Dill AFB, F-15’s at Soesterberg AB, NL, and all three aircraft at Eglin AFB.  He spent the Gulf War at Incirlik AB.  After retiring as a Master Sergeant, he worked at Eglin Transient Alert.  He loved all the many different planes and people that came through.  There were the astronauts in their T-38’s, presidential aircraft, and celebrities like the governor. 

In 1987, he met SSgt Suanne Braaksma a month before she was leaving Mac Dill.  After a few months of letters, they were engaged and were married a year after they met at the Mac Dill Chapel on 9 April 1988.  They were married 30 years.  In August 2000, they adopted their sons Yansey and Kyle.  He spent countless hours just being their dad, throwing football, doing homework, and teaching them what they need to know. 

Mike was an avid golfer starting as an airman at Holloman riding to the course on his bike with his clubs slung over his back.  He and Suanne golfed everywhere they went in the world.  He was a member at Eglin Golf Course for 27 years.  He also loved fishing in the bay and would flaunt photos of his latest big one to anyone and everyone.  Mike was baptized in Beaver Dam Creek, a believer all his life and a member at First Presbyterian Church. 

Survivors include his wife, Suanne Wilson; sons, Yansey and Kyle Wilson; mother, Cathryn Wilson; brother, Glen Wilson and sister, Kani Archbell.

A visitation will be Monday at 1:00pm followed by a service at 2pm at First Presbyterian Church, 1800 John Sims Pkwy in Niceville.  Afterwards will be a time to gather and reminisce.  If you knew Mike, post your memories on Heritage Gardens tribute wall at www.heritagegardensfuneralhome.com .  In lieu of flowers make a gift to the AFA Hurricane Refugee Fundraiser.  Gofundmee.com/5h3gg-hurricane-michael-relief.

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