The Suntones

You're invited to help us celebrate the lives of Harlan and Sandra Wilson on Sunday afternoon, October 19, 2025, at 1:30 PM.

​The gathering will be held in DeLand, Florida, at the Victoria Gardens Clubhouse.

​Venue Details
​Location: Victoria Gardens Clubhouse
​Address: 1001 Garden Club Dr, DeLand, FL 32724
​Phone: 386-785-2700

Approximately 60 miles from St. Augustine.

​We look forward to honoring Harlan and Sandy and sharing memories with you.

Details about Harlan's "Celebration of Life" are provided at the end of his obituary.

Harlan Wilson – A Life in Harmony

H. Harlan Wilson, Jr., a man whose life was a symphony of dedication, artistry, and an unwavering passion for music, passed away on July 31st. Born in Detroit, Harlan was the son of Heber H. and Bernice Pryor Wilson.

Harlan proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1954, an experience that shaped his disciplined approach to life. After his military service, he pursued higher education, graduating from Michigan State University in 1957, where he was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity.

In 1957, Harlan moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, embarking on a remarkable journey that would solidify his legacy in the world of barbershop harmony. He joined the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A., Inc.). Just four years later, in 1961, he achieved international acclaim, winning the Gold Medal in barbershop quartet singing in Philadelphia with The Suntones quartet. The Suntones' enduring impact was recognized when they were inducted into the Barbershop Harmony Society's Hall of Fame in 2005. The family's musical legacy continued when Harlan's son, Todd, joined The Suntones as their bass singer in 1999, performing with the quartet until their retirement in 2012.

Harlan's talents weren't limited to quartet singing. In 1966, he earned a Bronze Medal for directing the Coastmen Chorus in international chorus competition in Chicago. For two decades, Harlan served as the Musical Director of the Coastmen Chorus, leading them to an impressive six Florida State Championships and 10 international competitions, including their bronze medal. He also directed the Royal Palm Show Chorus and founded The Vocal Gentry Ensemble Singers in South Florida. Harlan belonged to a select group of individuals who earned international medals as both a quartet singer and a chorus director.

Beyond the stage, Harlan was a dedicated educator, sharing his vast knowledge as a faculty member for numerous Harmony Education Programs across North America, including seven years at Harmony College. His expertise as an entertainer, ensemble singer, soloist, choral director, and vocal coach, combined with his extensive experience in producing and directing live concert performances, enriched countless lives.

In 1966, Harlan also embarked on a successful career in finance, joining the Dean Witter brokerage firm, from which he retired as Vice President in 1993.

His contributions to the barbershop community were widely recognized. In 1986, Harlan was inducted into the Sunshine District Hall of Fame for the state of Florida. A truly special moment occurred in 1990 when he and his son, Todd, made history as the first father/son International Quartet Champions in the Barbershop Harmony Society, a feat accomplished when Todd's quartet, ACOUSTIX, won the International Quartet Championship.

After retiring in 1993, Harlan and his beloved wife, Sandra Campbell Wilson, moved to Asheville, North Carolina, where they started Wilson Renovations in 1995. He was also actively involved with the Music Men of Greater Asheville, North Carolina.

In April 2008, Harlan and Sandra relocated to Nashville.

Harlan's commitment to music continued in Nashville. In 2008, he co-founded The Nashville Singers Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. He received the Executive Director Award from Nashville Singers in 2011 for his three years of service on their board of directors. He retired from active participation with the Nashville Singers in 2017, earning the distinction of being the ensemble's first Emeritus Member. He and Sandra then relocated to Deland, Florida.

Harlan's life was a testament to his passion, remarkable achievements, and a lifelong commitment to the power of harmony. He leaves behind a profound legacy of musical excellence and an immeasurable impact on the barbershop community and all who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra Campbell Wilson; his son, Todd Davie Wilson; his daughter, Wendy Wilson DeCrow; his granddaughter, Savannah DeCrow; his grandsons, Taylor Austin Wilson and Travis Harlan Wilson; as well as his stepson, Frank McKeown, and stepdaughter, Patricia Gonzalez.

You're invited to a celebration of Harlan's life on Sunday afternoon, October 19, 2025, at 1:30 PM.

​The gathering will be held in DeLand, Florida, at the Victoria Gardens Clubhouse.

​Venue Details
​Location: Victoria Gardens Clubhouse
​Address: 1001 Garden Club Dr, DeLand, FL 32724
​Phone: 386-785-2700

​We look forward to honoring Harlan and sharing memories with you.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Suntones baritone singer, Harlan Wilson.

(August 28, 1931 to July 31, 2025)

Harlan Wilson – A Life in Harmony

H. Harlan Wilson, Jr., a man whose life was a symphony of dedication, artistry, and an unwavering passion for music, passed away on July 31st. Born in Detroit, Harlan was the son of Heber H. and Bernice Pryor Wilson.

Harlan proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1954, an experience that shaped his disciplined approach to life. After his military service, he pursued higher education, graduating from Michigan State University in 1957, where he was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity.

In 1957, Harlan moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, embarking on a remarkable journey that would solidify his legacy in the world of barbershop harmony. He joined the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A., Inc.). Just four years later, in 1961, he achieved international acclaim, winning the Gold Medal in barbershop quartet singing in Philadelphia with The Suntones quartet. The Suntones' enduring impact was recognized when they were inducted into the Barbershop Harmony Society's Hall of Fame in 2005. The family's musical legacy continued when Harlan's son, Todd, joined The Suntones as their bass singer in 1999, performing with the quartet until their retirement in 2012.

Harlan's talents weren't limited to quartet singing. In 1966, he earned a Bronze Medal for directing the Coastmen Chorus in international chorus competition in Chicago. For two decades, Harlan served as the Musical Director of the Coastmen Chorus, leading them to an impressive six Florida State Championships and 10 international competitions, including their bronze medal. He also directed the Royal Palm Show Chorus and founded The Vocal Gentry Ensemble Singers in South Florida. Harlan belonged to a select group of individuals who earned international medals as both a quartet singer and a chorus director.

Beyond the stage, Harlan was a dedicated educator, sharing his vast knowledge as a faculty member for numerous Harmony Education Programs across North America, including seven years at Harmony College. His expertise as an entertainer, ensemble singer, soloist, choral director, and vocal coach, combined with his extensive experience in producing and directing live concert performances, enriched countless lives.

In 1966, Harlan also embarked on a successful career in finance, joining the Dean Witter brokerage firm, from which he retired as Vice President in 1993.

His contributions to the barbershop community were widely recognized. In 1986, Harlan was inducted into the Sunshine District Hall of Fame for the state of Florida. A truly special moment occurred in 1990 when he and his son, Todd, made history as the first father/son International Quartet Champions in the Barbershop Harmony Society, a feat accomplished when Todd's quartet, ACOUSTIX, won the International Quartet Championship.

After retiring in 1993, Harlan and his beloved wife, Sandra Campbell Wilson, moved to Asheville, North Carolina, where they started Wilson Renovations in 1995. He was also actively involved with the Music Men of Greater Asheville, North Carolina.

In April 2008, Harlan and Sandra relocated to Nashville.

Harlan's commitment to music continued in Nashville. In 2008, he co-founded The Nashville Singers Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. He received the Executive Director Award from Nashville Singers in 2011 for his three years of service on their board of directors. He retired from active participation with the Nashville Singers in 2017, earning the distinction of being the ensemble's first Emeritus Member. He and Sandra then relocated to Deland, Florida.

Harlan's life was a testament to his passion, remarkable achievements, and a lifelong commitment to the power of harmony. He leaves behind a profound legacy of musical excellence and an immeasurable impact on the barbershop community and all who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra Campbell Wilson; his son, Todd Davie Wilson; his daughter, Wendy Wilson DeCrow; his granddaughter, Savannah DeCrow; his grandsons, Taylor Austin Wilson and Travis Harlan Wilson; as well as his stepson, Frank McKeown, and stepdaughter, Patricia Gonzalez.

A celebration of Harlan's life will be held on Sunday afternoon, October 19, 2025 in Deland, Florida. Other details will be announced soon. Flowers or other condolences can be sent to Sandra Wilson at 1421 Palisades Lane, Deland, FL 32724.

Who's going to Denver? This sounds like a great show.

REMEMBERING TIME: The biggest Championship Quartet show EVER! Tickets available now at aicgold.comDon't miss the biggest championship quartet show of all time! Remembering Time features 13 world champion quartets, the A...

From Bruce Cokeroft: Our families and Barbershop/Sweet Adeline’s communities recently celebrated the life of my stepmom, Iris Cokeroft. She made a huge contribution to so many of our lives and will be greatly missed! We love you, mom, and will see you and dad again. ❤️🎼😢

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Iris Cokeroft, wife of Suntones tenor, Gene Cokeroft, and a Queen in Sweet Aelines International, as a member of the 1967 International Champion Quartet, the Hurricane Honeys.

We lost Gene almost 10 years ago, and now they're together again.

For those who may wish to attend or send condolences, a memorial service will be held at Stanfill Funeral Home, 10545 S. Dixie Highway, Miami, FL 33156. We will post a time and date as soon as arrangements are finalized.

Dressing room candid shot. Thank you Rosalind Frizzell! (1971 International Convention)

Found on a Facebook Group called "The Palm Beaches Remembered."