Former Duke football letterman and Trustee Emeritus Gary Wilson died June 30 at the age of 86.
Wilson played for the Blue Devils in the 1960 and 1961 seasons under Hall of Fame head coach Bill Murray, part of a stretch that brought major success to the program. Duke went 8-3 in 1960, won the ACC Championship and the Cotton Bowl, and finished No. 10 in the Associated Press final poll.
The following year, Wilson helped Duke to a 7-3 record, another ACC title, and a 37-13 win over Notre Dame that sent the Blue Devils into the AP final poll at No. 20.
A native of Alliance, Ohio, Wilson graduated from Trinity College in 1962. He later served on the Duke University Board of Trustees from 1993 to 2005.
Beyond Duke, Wilson built a prominent business career. He was the former chairman of Northwest Airlines Corporation and served on the boards of directors of The Walt Disney Company and Yahoo! Inc.
He is survived by his wife, Jane; his sons Derek T'86 M.B.A'90 P'15, Christopher, and Hale T'20, along with their wives, Christen and Ginger; his grandchildren, Truman, Tate, Trinity T'15, Lily, and C.D.; his great-granddaughter, Penny Jean; and his nephew, Quentin. He also leaves behind those he loved as his own: Jane's children, her son Mackenzie, Camille and her husband, Will, and Camille's children, Scarlett and Waylon, who knew him as their grandfather.
Wilson and his family were longtime supporters of Duke, with a particular focus on Blue Devil athletics. His philanthropy over the years was recognized through the Wilson Gate at Wallace Wade Stadium and Wilson Recreation Center, both named in his honor. His legacy, the school said, will be felt by students, student-athletes and members of the Duke community for years to come.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Strive.
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