Eric Finley Wilson

Eric Finley Wilson, age 52, of Ft. Worth, Texas, passed away peacefully in his sleep, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 in Ontario, Canada. He was a visionary entrepreneur, with an unwavering faith, devoted to his family and he left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Eric was born on November 23, 1972 in Warren, OH, where he lived in the early years of his life, and he spent many summers in the town of Ashford, AL. Eric graduated from Champion High School in 1991 and later attended college at Ohio University and University of Phoenix where he attained a Bachelor’s of Business Administration degree and he also completed the Harvard and Manchester Executive Program. He had a natural aptitude for leadership and a passion to always be his best. These exceptional qualities were honed in the United States military. He served his country honorably as a Team Leader with the 75th Ranger Regiment and as an Engineer Sergeant with the US Army Special Forces, Green Berets. His military decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon numeral 2, the Army Service Ribbon, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Ranger Tab, and the Special Forces Tab. Through education, his military career, a tireless work ethic, faith, and support of his family, the groundwork was laid for a successful career.

In 2001, Eric’s entrepreneurial dreams became reality, he founded GSC, Inc. from the ground up. From the success of that first business he charged forward, building two more successful security firms. He also owned and operated, with the help of his family, a Farmer’s Insurance agency in Ft. Worth, TX. He was incredibly accomplished, through his military experience and the businesses he founded, he traveled the world, and had audiences with heads of state, including President George H.W. Bush, who he respected greatly.

Eric’s success as an entrepreneur was rewarded in 2004 when he joined The Wackenhut Corporation as Vice President of Special Operations. In that same year he designed, developed and implemented the Composite Adversary Force (CAF) program to conduct simulated but realistic attacks on U.S. critical infrastructure facilities. The CAF program is still used today across the United States and abroad, helping set the standard for safety and security.

Family was a key part of every aspect of Eric’s life. His wife and children were the light of his life and he was the light of theirs. They spent as much time together as they could and Eric always made every day with them an adventure. His parents, as well as his brothers and sisters were an integral part of his life and he was a joy to all of them.

Eric is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Connie E. (nee Chandler); his children, Wade Wilson, Erika Wilson, and Luke Wilson; his mother, Donna Wilson; his father, Jerry Wilson Sr.; his stepmother, Nina Wilson; his siblings; sister, Debbie (Gary) Johnson, brothers, Jerry (Elena) Wilson Jr., Mark (Laurie) Wilson, Paul (Robin) Wilson, and sister, Rachel (Brad) Phelan. He was very close to all of the family and will also be missed by his brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and many nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews.

Those who knew Eric, will remember him for his infectious smile, his blue eyes that sparkled with laughter (and occasionally mischief), his charisma and charm, his quiet devotion and his love of the Lord, his family, and his country. He had a rare gift of making everyone around him feel cared for, and he left a lasting impact on all who crossed his path.

Services to honor the life of Eric Finley Wilson will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at Sunset Memorial Park, Funeral Home & Crematory, 1700 Barrington Road, Dothan, AL 36350. Services will take place at 2:00 PM. Virtual services for those who cannot attend will be available. Flowers are welcome. As an alternative to flowers the family kindly requests donations to: Wounded Warrior Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org).

Although Eric has been embraced by our Lord, and he is physically no longer with us, his memory will continue to inspire and uplift us, and his work on this earth will continue to protect his family, his friends, and his country. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy in all that we do.