Richard P. Wilson

(11/17/2002)Richard P. Wilson was born on April 13, 1921, in Duncan, OK, and was gently taken into the arms of his savior on Thursday, November 14, 2002. Richard's engaging personality and zest for life touched all who came in contact with him. Richard was born to Margaret and H.A. Wilson, the 4th of seven sons, in Sante Fe, OK. He attended Alma, OK, schools and Cameron University, Lawton, OK. While a young man, he excelled as a basketball player and, at an early age, took up his life-sport, golf. Richard, his brothers and his life-long friend, Jerry Richards, could always be found at the golf course. Following World War II, in which he served with distinction in the U.S. Air Force in Europe, Richard returned to Oklahoma and, in 1947 married the love of his life, Jeanne Richards, sister of Jerry Richards. As did many Oklahomans at that time, the couple moved to California in 1947 to begin their lives together. They settled in Glendora, CA, and in 1950, celebrated the birth of their first child, Connie. Their second daughter, Paula, was born in 1952. Upon arriving in California, Richard began his long and distinguished career in the nursery business. He was employed by Monrovia Nursery, Bandini Fertilizer Co., Ollie Ollsen Nursery and American Plant Growers and was active in the California Nurseryman Association for many years, an organization which he served as vice-president in the mid- 80's. It was through CNA that Richard became known and respected nation-wide. In the late 70's Richard fulfilled a life-long dream of self-employment when he established Cool Valley Nursery, where he propagated and grew the Wilson Olive, a fruitless olive tree which became popular with landscape architects throughout the southwest. The Wilson Olive tree can be found on the grounds of prestigous homes and commercial sites in the region, including many Las Vegas hotels. Throughout his life, Richard was never far from his golf clubs and upon `retirement` in 1994, Richard and Jeanne moved to Palm Springs, where Richard transformed his avocation into his vocation. He became the starter at the Desert Falls Country Club and thus began his second career. On April 12, 1996, while playing at the Portola C.C. in Palm Desert, Richard recorded his one and only `Hole-In-One.' When Jeanne and Richard decided it was time to live closer to their family and moved to Austin, TX, he brought with him letters of recommendation from Desert Falls and was hired as the starter at the Austin Country Club, where he worked until his death. Richard was never happier than he was working at ACC. The members and staff embraced Richard as one of their own and treated him as if he was a member. Richard was so proud to be a part of the ACC family and their kindness and generosity were often overwhelming. He never passed up an opportunity to tell anyone about ``the Club.'' Richard Wilson is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Jeanne Wilson of Austin, TX; by his daughter, Connie Bagley, husband, Steven and grandchildren, Marnie (Los Angeles, CA,), Cameron (USN, Lemoore NAS, California), Kyle and Taylor (Oklahoma City, OK,); by his daughter, Paula Wilson and husband, Mark Mueller, grandchildren, Christopher, Elizabeth and Courtney, Andy and Max, all of Austin, Texas; by his brothers, Ben and Jerry Vaughn Wilson of Duncan, OK, Gerald Wilson of Alva, OK, and Rafael Solare of Seal Beach, CA. Richard Wilson accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and now resides with Him in Paradise. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association. A memorial service will be held Monday, November 18 at 10:00 a.m. at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 W. William Cannon Dr. Arrangements by Cook-Walden/ Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 6300 West William Cannon Dr., Austin, Texas 78749 (512) 892-1172