Gerald Douglas "Scooter" Wilson, born into this life on Saturday, February 3, 1951 to Addie L. Wilson and the late Curtis Lee Arthur White in Vicksburg, Mississippi.
He graduated from Alton Sr. High in 1969 and was inducted into the Alton Hall of Fame November 2016 for track and field, and football. He was recruited and received a full football scholarship to Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1969. There, he set football records that are still intact to this day. He also received free agent letter tryouts with the Dallas Cowboys and the San Diego Chargers. Besides attending classes and playing football at Southern Illinois, he pledged and became a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Omicron Theta Chapter. Gerald graduated with a BS Degree in Mass Communication, Class of 1975.
On Saturday, January 23, 2021 it was time for Gerald to leave us. He'd been suffering for some time with ill health; he was tired. He leaves to mourn and celebrate him, his mother Addie L. Williams; his devoted love mate Carolyn Batiste, Houston, Texas; three daughters: DeShelle Harris, Alton; Andrea (Mark) Wilson-Vickers, O'Fallon, Illinois; Simone Locke, Chicago; three sons: Curtis (Deanna) Vaughn, Champaign, Teffon Lee, Alton; Eric (Theresa) Burnett, Alton; six brothers: Willie D. Williams, Jr., West Los Angeles; Delbert Williams, Champaign; Jesse (Janice) Williams, Champaign; Alan Williams, Champaign; Kevin Williams; Champaign and Bradley (LaTasha) Williams, Calumet City, Illinois; one sister: Brenda (Dwight) Williams-Cannon, Champaign; 17 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Gerald was preceded in death by a daughter Rochelle Vaughn Stewart, brother Timothy Warren Williams, stepfather Willie D. Williams, Sr. and an infant sister Wilma Delores Williams.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions a virtual memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 3, 2021. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held in Alton, IL at a future date.
Rebecca E. (Becky) Bierbaum
So sad to learn of "Scooter's" passing. I'll always remember the excitement he brought when he'd get the ball during one of our AHS Red Bird's Football Games. He was so fast - he just would "scoot" down the field!!! My sympathy to all of his family & friends as they cope with his departure from this earthly life. Rest in Peace, Scooter!!!
John G. Elliott
To Gerry,
I've known you since West Junior and as a classmate at AHS. I have known you as a teammate on the track team and as an athlete who inspired me with your talent. After high school, we only had contact at school reunions, but the last time we met (2014?) it felt like we re-opened a channel of friendship. I misssed seeing you at the 2019 reunion and I'm sorry I won't have that opportunity again.
To Gerry's Family, my deepest sympathies.
Your dear son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather has only left this place. But Gerry is running again, running with the ancestors. He is running and he is running fast. Free from these earthly bonds. Run fast Scooter! There is an open field ahead.
-- Johnny Elliott
Paul Miller
I'm sorry to hear of Gerald's passing. I have not had contact with him since High School, but I remember him as an outstanding athelete and teammate. I remember standinng in awe of him as he ran the 440 relay and on the football field. He brought joy to others and I extend my deepest sympath to his family.