Richard Evan Willison

Richard (Dick) Evan Willison, 82 years old, of Gahanna, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2024, at Our Home of New Albany. His children were by his side at the time of his passing. Born in New Lexington, Ohio on June 22, 1941.

He was preceded in death by his wife Sandra Kay Willison and his parents Elmo Blee Willison and Mary Margene Willison. Richard is survived by his brother Donald Willison of Lancaster, Ohio and his four children, Rande Willison of North PalmBeach, , Debbie (Ken) Williams Mansfield, Ohio, Christine Willison Gahanna, Ohio, Nathan (Jessica) Willison Westerville, Ohio; grandchildren Mary-Claire, Kisor, Pax, and Cecilia Willison.

Richard was a devoted spouse and father to his family. He graduated from New Lexington High School, and General Motors Institute in Detroit, Michigan. Following in his father’s footsteps, he entered the automobile business, leading Willison Motor Company in New Lexington, Ohio to many successful years of business. Later in life Dick went on to lead and manage large Central Ohio Auto Dealerships, including Bob McDorman Chevrolet and eventually retiring from Graham Automall in Mansfield, Ohio.

Dick was passionate about his faith, his family and his work. He had a passion for developing people, giving of his time and talents, and taking care of customers and the communities that he operated in.

Above all, he was a Christian who lived his faith and provided a great example for his family and others to follow. He displayed compassion and empathy to others by helping them behind the scenes when no one was watching. He routinely helped people in need, paying for rent, buying clothes and food. He saw the potential in everyone and looked to give people every opportunity to succeed. He was a devoted and loving spouse, married to the love of his life for 60 years. He was the ultimate provider for his family and had the utmost character and integrity in all aspects of his life.

After his retirement from Graham Auto Mall he and Kay moved to Panama City Beach, Florida. Living in Florida was a lifelong dream of theirs. He enjoyed perfecting his lawn and landscaping, washing his cars and visits from his children and grandchildren. He loved the warm climate, the sea, going to the beach and dining out.

We are sincerely grateful for the care that he received while residing at Our Home in New Albany (Memory Care). We would like to thank the hospice team at Wesley Ridge for the wonderful care that he received over the past year and most recently, his peaceful passing.

A visitation for Richard will be held Wednesday, January 24, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Schoedinger Margarum Northeast, 1051 E Johnstown Road, Gahanna, OH 43230. A funeral service will occur Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Schoedinger Northeast followed by a committal service at Mifflin Cemetery, 155 Olde Ridenour Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230.