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Richard Wilson Obituary
Funeral: 10 a.m. Wednesday at Laurel Land Memorial Chapel, Fort Worth. Interment: Laurel Land Memorial Park. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Active pallbearers for Mr. Wilson will be Mark Baird, Pat Kinlough, Tommy Taylor, Robert Lopez, Jerry Barrett and John Conard. Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Pearson, Charles Fischer, Bill Panell, Bill Bond, Frank Fanning, Frank Sherwood and J.D. Shipp.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Scottish Rite Hospital, 2222 Welborn St., Dallas, Texas 75219; or First United Methodist Church, Mission Fund, 800 W. Fifth St., Fort Worth, Texas 76102.
Mr. Wilson was born Oct. 30, 1926, to Richard and Lucille Wilson in Dallas. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II, then returned to Fort Worth to receive his B.S. from TCU and a master's degree from North Texas State University.
He went on to spend 47 years as an educator in Fort Worth. His last position was as principal of South Fort Worth Elementary, which was later renamed Richard J. Wilson Elementary in his honor.
After retiring he enjoyed family, traveling, reading and music. He also was an active Shriner. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Helen Snyder.
Survivors: Wife of 57 years, Dean Wilson of Fort Worth; daughter, Karen Hampton and husband, Ron; granddaughters, Kristen Hampton and Lauren Hampton; brother-in-law, Dr. Hal Snyder; nephew, Dr. Larry Snyder and wife, Linda; and niece, Sharon Nesteroff and husband, Ken.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Wilson
April 8, 2009
This was a man of uncommon virtue and the gift of encouragement that others only talk about, yet he lived it. He was an inspiring leader by example and kind words. He was honest and true of heart.
I came to "South Fort Worth" for the opportunity to work with such a principal and was only permitted to stay there one year. He took great care to place me in my next school position of 18 years. It only took that one year for me to afterwards compare all principals to him. He led with his heart and wisdom; how uncommon. After 19 years I am blessed to teach beside his daughter. God is good, and this family reflects His goodness. My prayers are with this family in continued days to come. They have a great heritage.
Gloria Gonzales
October 28, 2008
To the Wilson Family,
I pray God grant you strength in your time of sorrow and comfort you
with memories you hold dear.
I had the priveledge in meeting Mr.Wilson the principal. And whether
it was in his office or after school he always had time to listen. He was very professional, and soft spoken and my children adored him.Mr.Wilson
was recognized any place we encountered him by his crown of white-hair..and he remembered names of my children..They are adults now and they have fond memories of him.
Mr.Wilson, you will be missed but
certainly not forgotten
Student from Mr. Wilson's School 86-91
October 26, 2008
Mr. Wilson will always have a spot in my heart. When I first saw him, I thought he was the tallest man on the face of this earth, but one with the warmest heart. He was my principal during my entire elementary school years. He appreciated hugs (even if they were at his knees) and returned them with a sincere smile and lots of pats on the back. Enthusiasm and excitement filled my heart when his name replaced the name of my elementary school. May fond and wonderful memories fill your hearts and I hope with time they will help heal your grief. My respects and prayers are with you and your family.
Carlos and Maria Esther Puente
October 25, 2008
Dear Mrs. Wilson and Family,
My wife and I send our deepest felt condolences. Our prayers are with you during this time.
Augustina Madu-Odidika
October 24, 2008
Thank you, Mr. Wilson and family for giving an alien girl chances of a life time to become an educator. I worked under Mr. Wilson as a kindergarten, third grade, and fourth grade teacher. He mentored, encouraged, and helped me every step of the way throughout my career moves. My heart felt condolence to Dean and the rest of his family. He will never be forgoten.
Nancy Hudson
October 23, 2008
I loved working with "Mr. Wilson." I always hoped he'd write a book with all his "wise sayings" in it. What an honor to be hired by him for my first teaching position! He said his mother taught him that you "dance with the girl you brung," and he lived up to that, always being a strong "back-up" for his subordinates. What a profound loss for us all. My heart goes out to all the family. He's "irreplaceable," make no mistake.
Nancy HUdson
Larry Snyder
October 21, 2008
My Uncle Richard started teaching me science at the age of 3. We wandered around in my grandparent's back yard as he showed me a spider, "Jackie Wilson Spider" as he called it, and we threw china berries at each other. We pealed pecans with my Grandfather and my mother, my grandmother and Aunt Dean made pecan pies from the pecans we did'nt eat. We were all better because of him. All my love. Larry
Kathy Sams
October 21, 2008
Having both a father and a husband pass before me I share in your grief but please know that God provides a peace and a comfort which could come from nowhere else.
Buford Neal
October 20, 2008
It was my privilege to work as a biology, chemistry, and physics teacher during Mr. Wilson's tenure as the Director/Consultant of the science department for the Fort Worth ISD. He was always encouraging and supportive. It was a joy to have him visit my class and to have opportunities to serve with him on various committees. He was an excellent teacher, supervisor and principal; and will be missed. Condolences to the family.
Linda Nixon-Stegall
October 20, 2008
Loved Mr. Wilson's class and I still qoute him. NSHS '59
Carmen Groce
October 20, 2008
To the Wilson family, You are in my thoughts and prayers. Mr Wilson worked part time at Wedgwood Optical for a short time and I enjoyed his stories. He had so much love for his family. Having just lost my dad too I know how you must be hurting and the only way to get through it, is with God and a loving family. Mrs. Wilson let us know if we can do anything for you. Carmen at Wedgwood optical
Charlene Dorsey
October 20, 2008
Dean and family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Charlene Dorsey,
M L Phillips Elementary
Dick Morgan
October 20, 2008
Richard Wilson is a fond memory from NSH and throughout the years!
I always enjoyed seeing him at our reunions and at the Good Ole Boy's gatherings at Angelo's!
As poor as I was in chemistry, he made it enjoyable!
John Hill N.S. Class of 58
October 19, 2008
My sincere condolences to his loving family.
Mr. Wilson was my favorite teacher at North Side High School. I had him for chemisty and he was an excellent teacher. In the last ten years or so I would run in to him at the grocery store and still called him Mr. Wilson. What a great man and a great teacher. He was also a great friend to my brother, Gary.
Bud Chaffin
October 19, 2008
Mr. Wilson taught Chemistry to me in my senior year at Northside high School-1957.I did not do well the first two semesters but through his dedicated help,i passed with a tolerable grade the last semester. I found i enjoyed it so much that i went on to receive a degree in Chemistry from TCU just as he had. I worked in the field for 47 years until retirement last year. He was a fine man and an inspired teacher. I just wish i had taken the time to tell him my story and express my appreciation for his dedication.
Joe Paul Taylor
October 19, 2008
NS Class of 54
Wilson family; always in our thoughts and prayers. Richard was an inspiration to all at NS. A part of our high school days never to be forgotten...
Loreta and JoePaul
Larry & Gladys Garrison
October 19, 2008
I learned a lot more than science in Mr. Wilson's class. He was truly an outatanding man of character and knowledge. He came to each class reunion we had including our 50th. A job well done Mr.Wilson.
Lee Voorhees McKay
October 19, 2008
My condolences to the Wilson family. I have wonderful memories of Mr. Wilson when he came to North Side High School as the physics and chemistry teacher in 1953. He helped me develop a life long love for science. I believe he was not expecting to teach physics that first year, but proved to be an excellent teacher.
Michael Talley
October 19, 2008
North Side HS class of '57
Jerome Ray
October 19, 2008
Mr. Wilson taught me both chemistry and physics at North Side High. It was his first, full-time teaching job and my first year in high school. He made me his lab assistant for the chemistry and physics labs. His support and guidance were an inspiration to me and strongly influenced me toward a life in science and engineering. He was an inspiring teacher and a good man.
Joy Sue Tipton Hudson
October 19, 2008
My sincere condolences to all of the family. I willl always remember Richard Wilson as one of my favorite teachers at Irma Marsh Junior High and North Side High School. He was gentle, kind, and truly cared about his students. He was loved by many.
Courtney Perry and family
October 19, 2008
Our thoughts are with you, Karen, and your family at this time. You have such a close and wonderful family. I know how special your father was to you and your girls. Please give Lauren and Kristen our love.
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