Gordon Harry Wilson

Gordon H. Wilson passed away at his home in Loganville GA on November 8, 2020. Gordon was born on March 14, 1943 to the late E. Gordon Wilson and Miriam McKeag. He is survived by his wife Brenda B. Wilson, son Matthew Gordon Ross Wilson, Matthew’s fiancé Taylor Ryan, and sister in law Ann Barber. Brothers Robert Neal Wilson and wife Zerah, Thomas Ross Wilson and wife Susan, sisters Eleanor Lynn Smith and husband Bruce, Judy Annette Burden and husband Tad, nieces and nephews.
Gordon had an unquenchable passion for Scottish heritage. He immersed himself, his family, and friends in all aspects of Scottish culture. He was a member of the Scottish Country Dance Society. He became a member of the John Mohr Mackintosh Pipes and Drums Band and led the band as Drum Major for many years. He was a long-time member of the Atlanta St. Andrews Society and served as their President. Further, he was a founding member of the Scottish Tartans Museum in Franklin NC and served for many years on their Board of Directors.
After Brenda, Gordon’s true love was the Stone Mountain Highland Games (SMHG). Discovering the event in 1978, he quickly became a leading member of the setup team called the Grounds Committee. Along with Don Ferguson, Gordon became Grounds Chairman in 1983 and led the committee until 2011 when he became Chairman Emeritus. In 1991, Gordon was elected to the SMHG Board of Directors where he served faithfully until his death.
Gordon had an institutional knowledge and recall of SMHG that was unmatched. It was his vision that led the event from black iron and air hammers to free standing tent systems, which saved a lot of painful backs and other injuries. As Stone Mountain Park threw curve balls in setup or field configuration, he took it all in stride. His quiet leadership was a model in how to get a job done. He was trusted by all who worked with him and enjoyed his friendship. He allowed people to work to their strengths which provided the Games an unmatched structure for the future.
His quiet leadership and sense of humor knew no bounds, When SMHG acquired “the third trailer”, it was his idea to ask the ladies to name the new trailer. It is not known if he envisioned what would take place, but by lunch, the trailer had a name, a background story, T-shirt designs were being discussed and eventually produced plus campaign buttons. A full court press had started to name the trailer Boudicca. Gordon just smiled and enjoyed his team having fun.
Steve Brady was one of Gordon’s team leaders and relates that “Early in my Games career, I was working evening shift, and would disappear shortly after lunch to get to work. When asked, I said I had to get to “my other job”. Come the “We Fooled Them Again” party, my award was a mounted wristwatch- “time” to get to my other job. His quiet humor was greatly appreciated.”
Gordon touched the lives of all that knew him, worked with him, and played with him. He always had a way of making you feel important and welcome. The world has lost a kind soul who knew how to lead with grace and humor and loved the people around him.
Services will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Scottish Tartans Museum, 86 E Main Street - Franklin, NC, 28734
http://www.scottishtartans.org/membership/index.html