Richard was born on June 3rd 1930 to Alice Williams and James Baird Wilson. Richard was a lifelong resident of Atlanta and grew up in the Buckhead area. Richard attended Darlington High School in Rome Georgia where he was on the track and field team and developed many lifelong friendships. After High school he attended Emory University for a short period prior to enlisting in the USAF. He served from 1951 – 1952 and was a Veteran of the Korean War.
He was a devoted husband and father. He married Sondra “Sunny” Badgett on April 4, 1953. The couple raised two sons and were very involved in all their sports and activities. Richard was very proud of his sons and never missed an opportunity to tell them. Sunny and Richard also enjoyed traveling and entertaining.
While working with his father in the carpet industry, Richard was recruited by a general agent with Connecticut Life (later Mass Mutual) where he worked until he retired.
Richard was preceded in death by Sunny his wife of 49 years, and his brother Ronald Wilson. He is survived by sons Richard “Rick” Wilson and his wife Candice and David Wilson and wife Sally as well as his Sister Charlotte Battin, 5 nieces and two nephews.
Visitation will be held at Patterson & Son Canton Hill on Sunday, June 10 from 4-7 p.m.
A graveside service will be held at Arlington Cemetery in Sandy Springs Monday June 11 at 10 a.m.
In lieu of Flowers the family requests Donations to Darlington School in Rome, Georgia.
