Richard Earl Wilson

Richard Earl Wilson Sr., 82, departed this life on February 25, 2026, in Houston, Texas, following a lengthy illness and extended hospitalization. He was born on January 11, 1944, in Houston's historic Fifth Ward community—known as Frenchtown—to the late Bob Wilson and Johnnie Juanita Nichols Wilson of Point Blank, Texas.

Richard was the middle child, between his older sister, Florence Mary Wilson Campbell, and his younger brother, Robert Eddie Wilson. From an early age, he developed a love for Christ and faithfully attended Sunday School and church.

He received his early education in Houston, attending Matthew W. Dogan Elementary School and E.O. Smith Junior High School before graduating from Kashmere Gardens High School in 1961, where he proudly played football.

Following high school, Richard attended Texas Southern University before answering the call to serve his country in the United States Navy, from which he was discharged.

After completing his military service, Richard began a long and dedicated career with the Southern Pacific Railroad. He initially worked as a journeyman electrician and later advanced to the position of conductor. After more than twenty years of service, he retired due to an injury.

Richard married Marion Shelvin, and through their union became the father of Dr. Richard Earl Wilson II and Patrick Joseph Wilson. He also embraced the role of father to her two sons, Andre Christopher Shelton and Sean Timothy Shelton.

Richard also had a daughter, Taleshia Green, from a previous relationship with the late Clarice Green. Additionally, during his relationship with the late Cathy Clemons, he welcomed another daughter, Monica Clemons.

He married Gloria Bell in 1992 and embraced one step-daughter and three step grandchildren.

Richard enjoyed life and the simple pleasures it offered. He loved fishing, hunting, traveling, cooking, barbecuing, playing cards and dominoes, and spending time on long phone conversations with his railroad colleagues and lifelong friends. He was known for fixing things around the house, tending his garden, and faithfully playing the lottery each day.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Bob Wilson and Johnnie Juanita Nichols Wilson; his beloved sister, Florence Mary Wilson Campbell; and his younger brother, Robert Eddie Wilson and by his granddaughter Dinata Clarice Green and Kevin Christopher Green.

He leaves to cherish his memory his sons, Dr. Richard Earl Wilson II and his husband, Rodney, and Patrick Joseph Wilson; his daughters, Taleshia King and her husband Derrick King and Monica Clemons; and his stepsons, Sean Timothy Shelton and Andre Christopher Shelton.

He is also survived by his grandchildren Alexis Wilson Blunt and her husband, Kentrell Blunt; Patrice Wilson; Patrick Wilson Jr. (PJ); Raymond Newton; Briana Shelton; Chelexis Norman; Xavier Shelton; Bryce Woodson, Kennede Clemons, Kamille Smith, Kamryn Smith, Elena Rose (Green) Jordan, Genevieve Green, and Mathew Todd Green.

He further leaves to cherish his memory his brother-in-law, Reverend Leonard Campbell; nieces Pastor Juanita Rasmus and her husband, Dr. Rudy Rasmus, and Elischa Campbell; and great-nieces Dr. Morgan Wesley and her husband, Alfred Wesley, and Dr. Ryan Harris.

Richard Earl Wilson Sr.'s life was defined by hard work, devotion to family, enduring friendships, and a spirit that will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.