On July 8, 2026, our hearts were forever changed as we said goodbye to our precious son, Leo Edward Wilson, who passed away at the age of 13. Leo was born on June 27, 2013, and from the very beginning, he showed the world that he would live life on his own terms.

When Leo was born with multiple complex medical conditions, his family was told he likely would not live beyond his second birthday. But Leo had other plans. For thirteen incredible years, he defied expectations, overcame impossible odds, and taught everyone around him that no diagnosis or prognosis could define a life.

Leo depended completely on others for every aspect of his care. Yet those who truly knew him understood that his life was never defined by his limitations. It was defined by the extraordinary joy he brought to others, the strength he inspired, and the unconditional love he shared. His smile had a way of making people forget their troubles, if only for a little while. To know Leo was to love him.

His mother, Julie Wilson, devoted her life to caring for him with endless love, patience, and unwavering dedication. She was his nurse, advocate, protector, and greatest source of comfort. His father, James Wilson, lovingly cared for Leo every chance he had outside of work, making every moment count. Together with his brothers, Leland and Landon, they made it their mission to give Leo a life filled with experiences instead of limitations.

Leo never sat on the sidelines. If his family thought he would enjoy something, they found a way to make it happen. He attended ballgames, celebrated holidays and family gatherings, traveled to different states, spent countless days swimming, and experienced adventures that many thought impossible. They never allowed his disabilities to keep him from making memories.

Leo found happiness in the simple things. He loved Elmo, Mickey Mouse, Disney, Yoda, and, more than anything, being in the water and getting splashed. Those moments brought him pure joy, and seeing him smile brought joy to everyone around him.

Anyone involved in Leo's care quickly learned that there was no handbook for caring for him. He never followed the textbook, the playbook, or the standard medical expectations. Every illness, every setback, and every victory required everyone around him to learn something new because Leo always did things his own way. If he could choose a song to tell his story, it would surely be Frank Sinatra's "My Way." From the day he was born until the day he entered Heaven, Leo did everything his way.

Leo was welcomed into Heaven by his Mawmaw Diane Tarver, Poppa Ray Holley, Uncle Wayne Rhodes, Aunt Rebecca Saucier, Pops Junior Wilson, Mawmaw Mittie Wilson, and Pawpaw Charles "Buddy" Johnson.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving parents, Julie and James Wilson; his brothers, Leland and Landon Wilson; his grandparents, Mawmaw Irene Burnley, Pawpaw Ronnie (Betty) Rhodes, and Nana Deborah Daughdrill; and many devoted aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and friends whose lives are forever better because they knew him.

Our family would like to express our deepest gratitude to the incredible people who walked beside us throughout Leo's journey. Thank you to Gulf Coast Pediatric Care in Gulfport, St. Joseph Hospice in Gulfport, Dr. Matthew Giefer and his team at Ochsner Children's Hospital in New Orleans, Dr. Marcus Lee in Biloxi, PediCare Nursing Agency, and the doctors and nurses at Ochsner's Main Campus in New Orleans. Your compassion, dedication, and love for Leo and our family will never be forgotten.

Although Leo's body faced challenges every single day, his spirit never did. He taught us that a meaningful life is not measured by independence or ability, but by the love we give, the joy we share, and the lives we touch. Leo was our miracle, our greatest teacher, and one of God's most precious gifts.

While our hearts ache beyond words, we find peace in knowing that our sweet boy is finally whole. We imagine him running where he could never run, laughing where he could never speak, and experiencing the freedom he was never able to know on this earth.

Until we meet again, sweet Leo, thank you for every smile, every lesson, every miracle, and every ounce of love you gave us. You did it your way and we wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

A celebration of Leo's life will be held from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com . 

The family prefers a donation be made in Leo's honor but flowers are acceptable.