Paul F. Wilson

Paul Franklin Wilson, 67, of Owensboro, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on September 29, 2026, at UofL Jewish Hospital in Louisville, KY. Born November 6, 1958, in Mayfield, KY, to Frank Weldon Wilson and Linda Goatley Wilson, Paul was a proud graduate of Owensboro Catholic High School, class of 1977.

In 1977, he joined the Purcell Tire family as a tire changer and spent the next 49 years with the company in a variety of roles, most recently as Store Manager of the Owensboro store. He was one of the most loyal and hardworking people anyone could hope to know. Paul stayed through good times and difficult times, through growth and change, because he believed in Purcell Tire and in the people who made it special. He was respected by his employees and coworkers and trusted by his customers. Even after 49 years, he never mentioned the word retirement. He loved what he did. Some people work for a company, and some become part of its story. Paul helped write Purcell Tire's.

Along the way, he developed a lasting friendship with Bob and Juanita Purcell, built over decades of trust and hard work. The loyalty and affection he had for them was returned in full.

Much of what Paul did for others happened out of sight. He took care of his employees behind the scenes and was always willing to help those less fortunate. He rooted for the underdog every time.

Health challenges followed Paul for many years, but he never stopped showing up in any way he could. In October of 2016, he received a kidney transplant and remained forever grateful to his daughter, Heather, whose selfless gift improved his quality of life. Paul chose to be a donor himself, and through the donation of his corneas, he was able to give the gift of sight to two others.

Away from work, Paul enjoyed Corvettes, owning three over his lifetime. He loved to play cards, mostly poker, but only if money was involved. If UK football or basketball was on, Paul was watching, and he offered the refs plenty of advice from his living room, none of which they ever took.

Above all, Paul loved his family. He and his wife of 49 years, Kathy, were both very involved parents, present for their children's events and practices, from football games to dance competitions. The kids fondly remember riding in his Corvettes and hanging out with him at Purcell Tire, which felt like a second home to them. Being a grandfather was one of Paul's greatest joys, and he never missed a chance to be part of his grandchildren's lives.

Paul and Kathy also had a close group of friends, Danny and Gail, Rick and Betsy, Stirman and Sue, George and Pam, and Fr. Tony, with whom they vacationed, celebrated holidays, and shared many of life's milestones. As their families grew up together, that friendship extended across generations, and each generation has stayed close.

He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Wilson; sister, Catherine "Lulu" Thompson; bonus dad, Chuck Wilkins; parents-in-law, Charles and Dorothy Aud; sister-in-law, Patricia Aud Dickens; and brothers-in-law, Bobby Aud and George Morgan.

Those left to cherish his memory include the love of his life and wife, Kathy Aud Wilson; daughter, Heather McCarty and her husband Isaac; son, Blake Wilson and his wife Nicole; mother, Linda Wilson Wilkins; grandchildren, Alexa Wilson, Alea McCarty, Jack Wilson, and Jade Wilson; sisters, Diana Brumley (Tony), Angela Douglas (Jerry), Mary Jane Wilson, and Christina Wilson; sisters-in-law, Connie Aud Morgan and Cindy Aud; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

The family is deeply thankful to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital and UofL Jewish Hospital, who cared for Paul and for his family through the hardest days.

The funeral Mass will be at 10 am Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Immaculate Catholic Church, officiated by Fr. Tony Jones. Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm Monday, October 5, 2026, at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory, with prayers at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue Tuesday from 8:30 am until 9:30 am at the funeral home. Burial will follow the Mass at Resurrection Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.glenncares.com