06/21/2026
Today I’m reflecting on my father, Bruce Wilson Sr.—my namesake—born May 18, 1940, and called home on February 6, 2018.
My father was a man of few words. He wasn’t the hugging type, but you never doubted that he loved you 100%.
He was a disciplinarian. But one thing I respected: once discipline was over, he never brought it up again. It was done, and we moved forward.
We grew up in a comfortable middle-income household. Dad worked incredibly hard to provide for all three of his children—supporting sports, band, and everything in between. He gave sacrificially so we could have opportunities. He put his family first!
One thing I never heard from him was an unkind word about anyone. If gossip started around the dinner table, his response was simple: “Who cares?” And just like that, the conversation ended.
He hired me at age 20. I started at the bottom—taking out the trash, cleaning the lab, and learning the business from the ground up. Back then, I didn’t always understand what he was doing. Today, I do.
He was teaching me that if you’re going to lead, you first need to understand the work. Looking back, there were probably several times I would have fired myself. But Dad was a fair, patient, and steady man. He would have been a great poker player.
He was a loving father, husband, and grandfather of 4- who truly loved children.
I was blessed beyond measure to work alongside both of my parents for over 30 years. It went by far too fast.
I miss those days—working together, lunch, and simply doing life side by side.
I learned so much by watching how my father handled employees, clients, and the ups and downs of business.
Most importantly, my father was a faithful, Godly man.
He served the Kissimmee Valley Livestock Show for 35 years as its longest-standing board member. He took that responsibility seriously and never missed a meeting.
My father was an inspiration to me, and I miss him every single day. I look forward to the day we meet again. In my humble opinion, my father was—and still is—the definition of the word FATHER.
Happy Heavenly Father’s Day, Dad.
Love you always,
Bruce Jr.
