Richard Elbert Wilson

RICHARD E. WILSON
Richard E. Wilson, 91, of Interlachen, Florida passed away on April 13, 2023 following an extended illness.
Richard, fondly known as Dick to his friends, was born in Morgan County, Ohio. He became an ordained Methodist minister after graduating from Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio and Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL. He had a painting business while in college. Richard served as pastor in 6 Ohio Methodist churches in New Philadelphia, Broken Sword, Pennsville, Lorain, Huntington, and Brewster before retiring. After retiring, he moved the family to Interlachen, Florida in the summer of 1973 where he followed his dream and passion for antiques, opening two antique stores in Interlachen and St. Augustine. He also participated in antique mall shows all across the Southeast. He named the stores, "The Old Buckeye Country Store" in honor of his home state of Ohio whose official state tree is the Buckeye. After retiring from the antique business, he worked for the University of Florida.
Dick married Ruth Ann Schneider on the same day he graduated from Baldwin Wallace College. They started dating after high school and both attended the Berea United Methodist Church where they were both active in the youth group. They were married for 68 years in June.
Dick was a 32nd degree Mason and was active for many years in Ohio. He was active in the civil rights movement and marched with Martin Luther King Jr. and Jim Lawson. Dick was also a conscientious objector on the grounds of his religious principles. He was a ministerial student when his C.O. status was granted.
His hobbies and passions were antiques, antique cars, of which he had 4, collecting Coca Cola memorabilia, and spending time with his family and friends. He also built a beautiful log cabin, summer home, in Ohio filled with his prized antiques. He enjoyed getting together with several men's morning coffee groups in Florida, South Carolina, and Ohio.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert and Ilah Wilson, a brother, Gene Wilson, and a sister, Rita Wolf.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth Ann, three daughters and one son; Diane (Mike), Linda (Douglas), Brenda (Greg), Jeff (Diane), four grandchildren; Sarah (Jason), Robbie (Becca), Drew, Allie and one great grandchild, William. He also had numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 419 NE First Street, Gainesville, Florida on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 11:00 am with Reverend Harold Henderson officiating. Interment will follow at a later date at the United Methodist Church of Berea, Ohio in their Memorial Courtyard Repository. If you are unable to attend, Dick's service will be livestreamed on the First United Methodist Church's website and can be accessed at:
https://fumcgnv.org/watch. This service can also be viewed at a later date at:
https://first-united-methodist.subspla.sh/mtv92b6
A memorial video about Richard's life, created by his son-in-law, Douglas, and daughter, Linda, will be played at his Celebration of Life service and during the reception after the service.
Friends and family are invited to post messages of sympathy on Dick's online tribute page at: themastersfuneralhome.com
Memorial gifts can be made, in Dick's honor, to First United Methodist Church in Gainesville for one of their outreach programs. The mailing address is: FUMC, 419 NE 1st Street, Gainesville, Florida, 32601.
A reception with refreshments will be served, after the service, in the church's fellowship hall.
The family is being assisted by Masters Funeral Home of Palatka.