Robert Donald (Don) Wilson, 77, of Naples, FL, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on the morning of April 30, 2024. The son of Harmon and Dessie Wilson of Memphis, TN, Don was preceded in death by both his parents and a brother, Michael Wilson. He leaves behind his wife, Vera Wilson of Naples; a son, Geoffrey Wilson of Athens, GA; a daughter, Stacey Wilson of Nashville, TN; a grandson, Drew Wilson of Athens, GA; and a brother, Thomas Wilson of Memphis. Don was a 1964 graduate of Messick High School in Memphis and a 1968 graduate of Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis), with a bachelor’s degree in history and journalism, where he was an integral part of the Epsilon Kappa chapter of Sigma Chi. He served in the United States Air Force for four years and the Tennessee National Guard for three years, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters for his service to the nation. He spent his entire  working career as a pilot for FedEx, from the company’s inception in the fall of 1973 through his retirement in 2006. He served both in management (as Assistant Chief Pilot) and as the first chairman of the FedEx chapter of the Air Line Pilots Association. He also co-authored the FedEx Flight Crew Handbook; was an important part of the committee that oversaw the FedEx-Flying Tigers merger in 1989-90; worked in partnership with Legacy Wealth Management in Memphis to establish an asset management program specifically for FedEx pilots; and in retirement became the first president of the Gray Falcons group of retired FedEx employees. At the time of his passing, he was also serving as vice president of the Memphis Sigma Chi Housing Group, Inc. Additionally, he was a partner in Beale Street Blues Company (parent company of B.B. King’s Blues Clubs). Afforded the chance to travel as part of his job and training, he visited all seven continents during his lifetime.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, all those interested are invited to make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.

Details on memorial services in both Naples and Memphis will be announced at a later date.