George William Willson

Birth date: Dec 28, 1950 Death date: Jul 29, 2019

George William Willson was born on December 28, 1950, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, the third of four children born to Lt. Colonel George William Willson, Sr. and Irma Dippold Willson. George's parents met in England while serving i Read Obituary

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Gary Lytton

326w ago

I had the pleasure of working with George over the course of three years in the early 1990s, negotiating the State’s purchase of Keewaydin Island near Naples. George worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between landowners, environmental advocates and their lawyers, and the local City Council to resolve a longstanding legal battle for the island and secure 2,700 acres of pristine barrier island for the Rookery Bay Reserve. I learned a great deal from George along the way, and will always cherish the friendship that we built during those years.

Gary Lytton

Terry Cole

328w ago

George and I worked together at DER. He was one of my favorite people to work with, full of energy and optimism. His service left a great legacy to the people of Florida.

Terry Cole

Margaret K Worrell

328w ago

Lynne, Ashley and Michael, you are in my thoughts and prayers. George was a wonderful husband, father and friend. I often celebrated his accomplishments in conservation that I would read or hear about over the years. I am out of town and am sorry that I was unable to attend his memorial service. I hope to see you soon Lynne for some sharing of our grand baby stories. God bless George and his work for the State of Florida that gives our children and grandchildren protected lands to enjoy as we have. Margaret Worrell

Gary Cochran

328w ago

I had the distinct honor and pleasure to work with George Willson in the conservation field over 20 years and to enjoy his friendship while working together. George was a consummate professional, a tireless and passionate worker and advocate for conservation throughout his career. His conservation legacy and voice will long be remembered and his voice, leadership, and expertise will be sorely missed.

Florida’s citizens, visitors and communities benefited immeasurably through the many successful conservation projects that George worked so hard to preserve. Most importantly, so much of Florida’s waters, wildlife habitats, and overall environment will continue to be conserved and protected because of the work that he and his many colleagues endeavored and persevered to accomplish.

Unfortunately, my wife and I were out of town and unable to attend his memorial service. My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to all of his family.

Most Sadly and Sincerely,

Gary Cochran

Ann F. Johnson

328w ago

I've known George professionally since the late '80's when we worked on two sides of land conservation in Florida: he in real estate and me in plant ecology for the FL Natural Areas Inventory. At first I had him pinned as another "suit", but he surprised me twice. Once when he sent some photos of the Big Bend coastal project with a picture of a helicopter on a salt flat that he used to get to the less accessible parts and, upon being asked, mentioned he had been in the marines. The second time was when he became a VP at St Joe Company and I suddenly had access to the Little Sandy Creek property and they had actually burned some of it, so I was able to tell how the "dark-headed hatpins" responded to fire (it's up 1 month later). I will miss him.

Ann Johnson

Mike Wisenbaker

328w ago

I first met George at the P-2000 state review of Fisheating Creek in Glades County in early 1998. After that time, we became friends as well as colleagues. He was not only a marvelous advocate for natural resources and land conservation, George also was avid about protecting and learning more about archaeological and historical sites—which I spent the bulk of my work life doing. He also loved Florida’s spring passionately and always wanted to know what the Woodville Karst Plain Project was up to. A few years back, I wanted George to join us on some visits to the wild springs on the SMNWR but it never worked out for us. I last went on a field visit with him to the Apalachicola River in August of 2017 for a Florida Forever assessment. He was kind enough to offer me a ride over there. Still, we corresponded regularly discussing and lamenting all sorts of topics and interests till the very end. Peace be with you my friend. You have touched and influenced so many lives in a positive way over your decades of service to conservation.

Mike Wisenbaker

328w ago

Added a new photo to the Memories Album album.

Terrell Arline

328w ago

The state should name one of the forests, parklands, or native preserves he helped acquire after George W. Willson.

My condolences to his family and many friends.

Terrell Arline

Rob Williams

328w ago

It was a privilege to have known George. When I think of him I will always remember our rambles together along the high bluffs of the Apalachicola - one of the most beautiful places in Florida -- and one of the many which George worked hard to preserve for future generations of Floridians. What fun we had! George knew so much about the history of the river and its people. He had a vision of what could be, and a boundless optimism. One could not ask for a better companion for a walk in the woods.

Rob Williams

Tallahassee

Albert Gregory

328w ago

I've heard it said that the true measure of a person's life can be gauged by how much they improved the world while they were here. If that's true, then George Willson's life can only be described as an unqualified success. Years from now when all of us here today are gone, George's legacy, a legacy of green, will continue to shine and only become more precious to the people of Florida. Those of us who were lucky enough to work with him in making it happen won't see the likes of him again. I'm grateful to be one of those people.

Albert Gregory
Tallahassee

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