Richard Gholson

GHOLSON, Richard Courtney "Dick," 79, of Orlando, born May 1, 1926, in Kevil, Ky., went home to our Lord January 24, 2006. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lola Nall Gholson, and Richard Courtney Gholson and his wife of 38 years, Madelyn Louise Tucker Gholson of Wingo, Ky. He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Ruth Boaz Gholson; stepdaughter Betsy Thrasher; daughter, Sheila Gholson and husband, John Duhring; grandchildren, Courtney Gholson Duhring and Claire Gholson Duhring of Palo Alto, Calif.; daughter, Sheryl Gholson Costello and husband, Eric Costello; and grandchildren, Ryan, Phil, Austin, Jordan and Anna Costello of Brandon. He is also survived by his brother, Gerald Gholson of Orlando. Dick served in the Navy with great pride during World War II. He sang tenor in the Navy quartet and was assistant director of The Great Lakes Blue Jacket Choir. He helped organize "The Spearhead Stage Show" with Fred Waring of Pennsylvania. He attended Wayne State University and the Detroit Bu siness Institute, majoring in accounting and business. After college, Dick moved to Florida where he joined his family and spent the next 59 years of his life. Dick worked for Allstate Insurance Co. for 49 years. The last 10 years his wife Ruth worked by his side each day. He loved his clients and considered them his "family." He was devoted to serving them until the day he retired. Dick's passion for music started with his family's quartet. He sang first tenor with "The Orlandoans Barbershop Quartet" for 10 years. He was an active member of College Park Methodist Church where he shared his love of music as a soloist. He led the fellowship class as their music director for 50 years and was honored to have served on many committees at his church. Dick and Ruth moved to Brandon three years ago. They loved their new home at Hawthorne Village Retirement Community. Dick started a choir at Hawthorne. They met weekly and loved singing at family nights and holiday celebrations. The halls were filled with their joyful heavenly voices. He also started a weekly Bible study with the Rev. Craig Swartz of Redeemer Presbyterian Church that continues today. Pallbearers are Gerald Gholson, Eric, Ryan, Phil, Austin and Jordan Costello, and John Duhring. The family wishes to thank the Hawthorne Village staff, especially Cathy Claire and Betty Howell, for their exemplary care. Dick's compassionate aides, Yolanda McCant, Yolanda Brown and Terry Hinson, were his extended family during his last year. We are also grateful to LifePath Hospice Sage Team, especially Dick's nurse, Dawn Scheibly. There will be a celebration of life 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 30, at the Hawthorne Village Inn Assisted Living, 859 West Lumsden Road, Brandon. Dick will be remembered for his contagious smile and his godly spirit. He greeted everyone he met with "God bless you"! His love for the Lord touched those who knew him. Each of us will carry a part of his loving spirit in our hearts until we meet again. In lieu of flower s, donations may be made in Dick's memory to the Gholson Family Foundation, set up to honor and glorify God in areas of education, Christian service and missions. Please mail gifts to Smith Barney, Attn: Mark Clancy, 301 E. Pine St., Suite 1200, Orlando, FL 32801.