​Firestone Industrial Products Remembers Larry David Wilson, a 46-Year Veteran of OEM Industry

INDIANAPOLIS, IN… Firestone Industrial Products, LLC (FSIP) is remembering Larry David Wilson, a beloved member of the OEM industry and longtime employee, who recently passed away. Wilson, 78, of Carmel, Indiana, devoted 46 years of his career to the company and was so passionate about the Firestone brand that he was often referred to as "Mr. Firestone" by his friends and customers.

Wilson first joined FSIP as a member of its drafting and engineering department and grew to become a highly adept and trusted technical sales associate. Instrumental in the design of air springs and their broad applications throughout North America, his expertise was further relied upon for the company’s expansion into Mexico. Customers still speak fondly of Wilson, many describing him as having been a true gentleman who was always true to his word. He was also known for his encyclopedic knowledge of the FSIP product line.

His fervor for the Firestone brand carried over into his personal interests and he amassed a collection of company memorabilia containing over 250 Firestone-branded antiques, about 40 old Firestone store signs, 75 hats and a dozen clothing items. The collection, which Wilson housed in his home’s two-story garage, grew to become a source of camaraderie among colleagues and customers who were not only entertained by Wilson’s impressive collection, but often helped source new finds.

A member the United States Naval Reserves, Wilson was honorably discharged in 1963. He began working for FSIP in 1962 and retired in 2008. Wilson had many interests, including classic cars, woodworking, attending the Indianapolis 500, Excel spreadsheets, garage sales, antiquing and more.