His Life & Legacy

Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle, Brother-in-Law

Richard Earl Wilson, 82, departed this life on February 25, 2026, in Houston after lengthy illness and hospitalization.

Early Life and Education

On January 11, 1944, RICHARD EARL WILSON was born to Bob Wilson and Johnnie Juanita Nichols Wilson in (Fifth Ward – French Town) Houston, Texas. Richard was the middle child in his family wedged between older sister Florence and a younger brother Robert. He expressed an interest in Christ at an early age and attended Sunday school and church. Richard attended Matthew W. Dogan Elementary,  E.O. Smith Junior High School, and graduated from Kashmere Garden High School in 1961 where he  played in the band. Richard's classmates describe him as very polite, friendly, well-mannered, well-groomed, and nice looking. Subsequently, Richard attended Texas Southern University and joined the U.S. Navy where he was later honorably  discharged after his service.

Richard's Life Journey

Richard went on to become a journeyman electrician for Southern Pacific Railroad and later rose to the rank of Conductor. Richard retired from Southern Pacific Railroad after more than 20 years of service due to an injury. Until his death, he worked part-time for 20 years as an automobile transfer agent for Sedgwick.

During his early adult years, Richard married and became the father of two sons and two stepsons. In the mid 1980's, Richard met Gloria Wilson, and they wed in 1992 where he became dad to a stepdaughter, whom he nurtured and loved. Gloria and Richard remained together and enjoyed more than 30 years full of fun, adventure, caring, and excitement.

Richard enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, cooking, barbecuing, playing cards and dominoes, leisurely telephone calls with his railroad friends and homeboys, fixing things around the house, gardening, and playing the lottery daily. He and Gloria traveled extensively across the U.S., Europe, Caribbean Islands, Hawaii, Australia, etc., and often seemed to find themselves at a casino. Some of Richard's fondest memories were family vacation road trips with the grandchildren when they were young and spending quality time with them during their month-long summer visits to Houston.

Family and Legacy

Richard was preceded in death by both parents, Bob and Johnnie Juanita Nichols Wilson, beloved sister, Florence Mary Wilson Campbell,  and younger brother, Robert.

He leaves behind to mourn his passing:

Wife : Dr. Gloria Wilson

Children : Shaughnna Blackmon, stepdaughter; Richard Wilson II and Patrick Wilson, sons; Sean Shelton and Chris Shelton, stepsons

Grandchildren : Joshua Blackmon, Spencer (Samira) Blackmon, Alexis (Kentrell) Blount, Patrice Wilson, Fallon Blackmon, Patrick Wilson, Jr.,

Great Grandchildren : Riley Blackmon, Josiah Johnson, Shylo Blackmon, Siyon Blackmon

Nieces : Juanita (Rudy) Rasmus and Elischa Campbell

Great nieces : Dr. Morgan (Wesley) Alfred and Dr. Ryan Harris, MD.

Great-great nieces : Jaden Harris BS Jolene Harris

Brother in-law : Reverend Leonard Campbell

Throughout his journey, Richard touched many lives and will be missed by a host of longtime friends such as Rollie (Barbara) Lott, Michael Ashley, and Danita Destin.