Rick was born March 7, 1957, in Albany, GA, the son of Larry and Patricia Bryan Wilson. He married Nancy J. Winn on March 17, 1984, at Central Baptist Church in Springfield, IL.
Rick graduated from Robinson High School, where he excelled in sports, especially basketball. While attending Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Rick was on the basketball team and traveled to Europe. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Illinois. Rick then earned his CPA license through independent study with two small children at home. He was employed at Horace Mann for 22 years as a Vice President and then as Controller for Hope School for 19 years, where his coworkers were like family. Rick was a member of Central Baptist Church in Springfield for over 30 years and was the President of the local chapter of UCP. He was an outspoken advocate for individuals with disabilities and worked to pass legislation that gave them the right to choose their own housing. Rick enjoyed vegetable gardening, golf trips with friends, and spending time and traveling with his family and friends. He especially loved coaching and watching his children in their individual sports, including baseball, basketball, and golf with Bryan, volleyball and softball with Steph, and softball throw with Jennifer for the Special Olympics. Rick was an avid sports fan. His favorite team was the Chicago Cubs, and he also rooted for the Chicago Bears, and Illinois Fighting Illini.
He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Wilson and brother-in-law, Keith Reynolds.
Rick is survived by his wife, Nancy Wilson of Springfield; his children, Jennifer L. Wilson of Springfield, Bryan P. (Andrea) Wilson of Springfield, and Stephanie J. (partner, Devin) Wilson of Buffalo; grandchildren, Ruby June and Norah “Rah Rah” Wilson; mother, Patricia Schofield of Palestine; siblings, Kim (Robert) Bagliere of Robinson, IL, Mike (Jennifer) Wilson of Newton, IL, and Polly Reynolds of Evansville, IN; half-sister, Brittany (Brad) Pierce of Newport, NC; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and close friends, Randy Fix and Cheryl Coontz.
Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.
Memorial Gathering and Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Central Baptist Church, 504 S. 4th St., Springfield. A Ceremony will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Tony Stang officiating. The family welcomes everyone to share in memories, fellowship and lunch in Rick’s honor following the ceremony downstairs in the Merriam Hall.
Burial will follow at a later date at Roselawn Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to United Cerebral Palsy or Central Baptist Church.
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.
