Clyde "Rick" Wilson

Clyde "Rick" Wilson, 78, of The Villages, FL, passed away on October 16, 2025 peacefully in his home. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA on December 30, 1946 to Dorothy and Clyde Wilson. He moved to The Villages from Maryland in 2008.

Rick had a life and career that took him all around the world. He entered the U.S. Army in the summer of 1964 at 17 years old. He proudly served for 20 years as a telecommunications tech retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3). Before receiving his commission, he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSG) and earned a degree from Central Texas College. He served in Vietnam in 1969, receiving multiple awards. He was also stationed in Korea, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Germany, and across the U.S. Upon retiring from the military, he continued to support this great nation as a defense contractor in Maryland prior to moving to The Villages. Never one to sit idle, he worked as a starter at Evans Prairie golf course for 15 years.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sheila Wilson; son Rich Wilson; daughter Leigh Ann (Ken) Berko; son Kevin (Kim) Wilson; and four grandchildren (Cole, Collin, Gavin, Ethan). He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Evelyn Proto and Shirely Cummings. Rick loved to travel, spend time with his grandchildren and friends, and watch his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. He was loved by all who knew him and will be missed.

A funeral mass honoring Rick will be held at St. Vincent de Paul on December 16, 2025 at 10 a.m. Following mass, an inurnment ceremony with military honors will be held at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. In lieu of flowers please donate to Cornerstone Hospice (cornerstonehospice.org) or the Sumter County Humane Society (hsspca.org). Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449. Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com.