Jeffrey Alan Wilson

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Jeffrey Alan Wilson, 54, on June 5, 2023. Jeff, fondly referred to as “Coach,” was born on April 19, 1969, in Bradenton, Florida. He was a beloved husband, father, son, teacher, mentor, coach, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Ariane Wilson, daughters, Danielle & Emily Wilson, mother, Ellie Wilson, and many more loving family members and friends. Jeff was predeceased by his grandparents, Melvin & Betty Wilson. Jeff graduated from Cardinal Mooney High school and attended the University of South Florida where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Jeff began his 28-year career in Manatee County at Prine Elementary as a classroom teacher and Technology Specialist. For the past 20 years, Jeff has been an original member of the staff at Freedom Elementary where he served as a 5th grade teacher, PE coach and after-school program director. His love of soccer led him to coach for the Braden River Soccer Club and Manatee High School. Jeff’s passion for education, history, patriotism and service are woven into the fabric of Freedom Elementary where he was beloved by colleagues, students & parents alike. His love of country and those who serve sparked the vision and creation of the “Let Freedom Ring” courtyard that honors all branches of service and first responders. It will be a permanent testament and memorial to his legacy and contributions to our community. Mornings will never be the same without the “Good Morning, Freedom Elementary” announcement he made at the start of each school day. Coach Wilson has touched and altered the lives of thousands of children throughout the years. He has given knowledge, comfort, guidance, support and encouragement that will remain in the hearts and minds of each one. He will forever be a cherished member of the Freedom Family and this community. Jeff was a true family man and the epitome of a husband and father. He loved all his girls beyond measure and his world revolved around them. You would always find them together on some kind of adventure. Whether they were attending a sporting event, a trip to Disney, running a marathon or kayaking, they were and will continue to be a close-knit family. Jeff and Ariane began life’s journey together as teenagers and he doted on his beautiful wife. They were always a team and complemented one another perfectly. Their time together was a love story that included their share of peaks and valleys, but it was the way they loved, lived, and worked together that made it so special. Jeff was an incredible father and the kind of dad that dropped everything and came running if one of his girls needed anything-they were his life and his pride and joy. His love for them was palpable and their love for him is endless. Danielle and Emily will continue his tradition of acts of kindness, love and service as set by his example. They are the best part of his legacy and of all his contributions to the world, he would say they are his greatest. He was a loving and dutiful son to his mother, Ellie, and always made sure she was loved and cared for. As an only child, he was his mama’s boy, and they had a special bond. To call Jeff “friend” was an honor and the relationships he built with family and friends were strong and lasting. His kindness, loyalty, honesty and wonderful sense of humor will be deeply missed and remembered. Coach Wilson was an avid runner and cyclist participating in many marathons including the Dopey Challenge at Disney. If you knew Coach Wilson, you would often see the “Good Morning, Freedom” posts from his runs to the Freedom Courtyard at the crack of dawn or from his cycling adventures. Sports were an integral part of his life. Jeff’s final act of service was to donate his organs to save the lives of others. One in one thousand people will be a viable organ donor and Jeff was that ONE. This is yet another attestation to the grace and selflessness of the entire Wilson family, that they would welcome this process at their darkest hour to help others in need. He will live on with the recipients and their families as they now have a second chance at life. Jeffrey Alan Wilson has made a lasting impact on the people of Manatee County, both big and small. All who knew him are better for it. The majestic tree that was Jeff, with deep roots, strong trunk, sturdy, wide-reaching branches with thousands of leaves that depend on that strength, will continue to grow in the hearts of so many. He has left a void that cannot be filled but he will be lovingly remembered by all those he touched in his lifetime. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Bayside Church Lakewood Ranch, 15800 State Road 64 East, Bradenton, FL, on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at 11:00am with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to support the family at https://gofund.me/9fb0de07.

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Jeffrey Alan Wilson

April 19, 1969 - June 5, 2023