Jeffrey Lee Wilson's Obituary
Jeffrey Lee Wilson, 60, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away on February 24, 2026. Known to family and friends simply as Jeff, he was a man of warmth, charisma, and unwavering devotion - the kind of person who could walk into any room and instantly fill it with life.
Jeff was born on November 1, 1965, in Falls Church, Virginia, to William and Marie (Pierce) Wilson. He grew up with a natural love of athletics and competition, lettering in swimming, soccer, and basketball at Edison High School. He went on to attend Oklahoma State University, where he studied Restaurant Management - a fitting foundation for a career built on a genuine passion for food, hospitality, and people.
After graduating, Jeff put his culinary talent to work in impressive fashion, rising to become Head Chef and Executive Chef at the prestigious Shangri-La Resort. His entrepreneurial spirit later led him to Denver, Colorado, where he opened Fritter's Caf , a beloved restaurant that reflected his creativity and warmth.
It was in Tulsa that Jeff's personal life found its heart. While both working as waiters at the Green Onion, Jeff met Lisa - and in a moment as charming as the man himself, he proposed to her right there on the dance floor. The two were married in Tulsa in 1998, beginning a partnership that remained the cornerstone of Jeff's life.
Jeff's career in the food services industry continued to flourish as a sales representative, where his natural gift for connecting with people made him a consistent top performer. He spent five years with Benny Keith and approximately fifteen years with U.S. Foods, traveling extensively throughout the country and earning a reputation as one of the best in the business. He retired in 2006 following a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, facing that challenge with the same optimism he brought to everything in life.
In his leisure time, Jeff loved cheering on OSU Cowboy football and Washington football. His passion for soccer never faded either - he was actively involved with the Green Country Soccer Association for ten years, competing all the way to the finals. But above all else, he was his sons' biggest fan, showing up and cheering loudly at every sporting event he could. Taking care of his family was, without question, his number one priority.
Those who knew Jeff described him as devoted, optimistic, charismatic, and loyal - with a smile that could stop you in your tracks. He was the life of the party wherever he went, treating everyone he met with the same kindness and respect, regardless of who they were. He was, in every sense of the word, a classy guy.
Jeff is survived by his beloved wife, Lisa Wilson; his sons, William and Kenney; his sister, Jody Lewis and her husband James; and his brother, Donald Wilson and his wife Jane. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Marie Wilson, and his brother, Mark Wilson.
A memorial gathering honoring the life of Jeffrey Lee Wilson will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 PM on Friday, March 13, 2026, in the Great Room. Family and friends are welcome to come share in the celebration of a life well and fully lived.
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