Richard Dewitt Wilson

Richard Dewitt Wilson, age 58, died peacefully at home on May 12, 2015 from cancer and complications from HIV. He was surrounded by friends and family and his cat, Sophie. A resident of New Orleans since 1981, he was an Academic Counselor at Loyola University where he worked for over 30 years. Rich was born in Birmingham, Alabama and grew up in Athens Georgia, graduating from Clarke Central High School. He attended the University of Georgia at Athens and graduated with a sociology degree from Loyola University New Orleans. He served in the U.S. Air Force for four years and was stationed on the island of Crete, where he worked as a military intelligence interpreter. He is survived by his life partner of 21 years, Stephen Fowlkes, by his mother Joyce Williams Chifici, and a host of friends and relatives. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 15, 2015 at 1:30 PM at Holy Name of Jesus Church on the campus of Loyola University in New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Richard D. Wilson Memorial Scholarship Fund, College of Humanities & Natural Sciences, Loyola University, 6363 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, La. 70118. Condolences may be expressed online at www.tharpsontheimerfh.com. Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home of Metairie is in charge of arrangements. Information, (504) 835-2341