Stephen Kenneth Wilson

Stephen Kenneth Wilson, passed at age 87 on January 19, 2019. Ken was born Aug. 3, 1931 in Atlanta, Ga. at Grady Hospital, where his father (Henry Louie Wilson) was the Hospital Administrator. His mother was a nurse, his brother a cardiologist, and various aunts and uncles also dedicated their lives to health care.Ken served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 55 in the Middle East and served as an operating room technician in 1952 in Philadelphia, Pa. He attended the University of Florida, and studied Biology and Physical science 1948 50 / 1955-57. He also attended Florida State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree, 1958-59. Additionally, he earned a Masters degree in Hospital Administration in 1961 from Washington State University.Ken devoted his life to the Medical Industry and was involved in numerous activities throughout Northeastern Florida. He served on boards of many state and national organizations that set healthcare policy and delivery of services for treatment facilities and lead the Florida Hospital Associations rehabilitation section and their political action committee several times during his career. He was considered instrumental in the transformation of rehabilitation medicine in Jacksonville. In 1982 Ken became the Administrator of Jacksonvilles Cathedral Health and Rehabilitation Center. He oversaw the organizational transformations of Cathedral Rehabilitation to Memorial Regional Rehabilitation Center to Memorial Rehabilitation Hospital to Genesis Rehabilitation Hospital and finally to Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital. Positions held throughout his career included; Administrator of hospitals on the first coast and Volusia County. Involved in design & construction of six healthcare facilities, Assistant Executive Director, St. Lukes Hospital, Jacksonville, Fla. 1978 82, Administrator of Ormond Beach Hospital, Ormond Beach, Fla. 1974 78, Administrator of Cape Canaveral Hospital, Cape Canaveral, Fla. 1961-73, Administrative Resident at Orange Memorial Hospital (now Orlando Regional Medical Center) Orlando, Fla. 1960-61, President and CEO Genesis Rehabilitation Center (now Brooks Rehabilitation Center), Jacksonville, Fla. 1982 -98. Vice President 1998 2001.Ken was involved in numerous professional and civic organizations and associations. Some of which included; The Florida Hospital association 1957-2019 (Rehab council Chairman 85-98), American Hospital Association 1957-2019, American College of Hospital Executives 1960-2019, Greater Jacksonville Hospital Council 1978-98 (President 86-87 & 95-97), American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association 1982-99, Brain Injury Association of Florida 1986-2019, Florida Hospital Association Political Action Committee 1978-2001 (Chairman 85-90), Florida Brain Injury Rehabilitation Council Committee 1985-2019, University of North Florida Assistant Clinical Professor, College of Health 1991-95, Southeast Rehabilitation Network 1994-2000, First Coast Healthcare Executives 1990-2019, Medical Rehabilitation Education Foundation 1992-96, Rehabilitation Quality Information Group 1992-96, Rotary Club 1962-2019, San Jose Country Club 1996-2019, University Club 1978-2001, River Club 1997-2001, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce 1978-2000, Jacksonville Economic Development Healthcare Council 1988-90, Cornerstone 1983-2000, Jacksonville Community Council, Inc. 1987-2019, River City Rollers Wheelchair Basketball Team sponsor 1985-98, Gator Bowl Association 1981-2019, Jacksonville Private Industry Council 1986-96 (Chairman 88-90), Jacksonville Mayors Education Council 1988-92, UNF Physical Therapy Task Force 1990-93, FCCJ Healthcare Services Programs 1995-98, I.M. Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless Healthcare Advisory Committee 1996-98, Webb Center for Independent Living 1996-2000, Health Services Credit Union board 1993 2019, University of Florida Gator Booster Club 30 years, Gator Clowns Club Jacksonville 1994-2019 (clown name Fred).In 2009, recipient of the James H. Bruce Lifetime Achievement Award. Ken is survived by his wife of 61 years, Patricia Ann (Copeland) Wilson; daughters - Tania Chapman and Krista Flannery; son Stephen Wilson; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Ken was also father to the late Stephanie StimsonA Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 28, 2019 at Englewood Christian Church 4316 Barnes Road Jacksonville, FL 32207.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimers Association..MemorialEnglewood Christian ChurchThursday, February 28, 20197:00 PM4316 Barnes RoadJacksonville, FL 32207