MSgt (USAF Retired) Richard Edward “Whip” Wilson, 58, of Fort Walton Beach, died in his sleep on Tuesday, March 20, 2012. He was born on November 19, 1953 in Clearwater, Florida and spent a carefree boyhood in nearby Gulfport where he played little league baseball and developed a life long passion for fishing. As a teen he was an accomplished surfer who learned to repair and craft his own boards. He was also an avid dirt biker, and lettered in track and basketball at Boca Ciega High School.
After spending some time at St Petersburg College, he began a military career proudly serving for over 25 years in Air Force Special Operations as a Combat Controller. Following his father’s death in 1980, he returned to St Petersburg to help his mother manage Wilson Mattress Manufacturing Company. Five years later Rick returned to active duty as a Senior Airman and volunteered to attend Combat Control School for the second time to refresh his skills. At 32 years old he successfully completed the arduous training.
Rick loved his family and his country and was devoted to both. He had a servant’s heart and would give anything he had to someone in need. Today we rejoice in the knowledge that he is forever at home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Richard is survived by his wife Samreong, mother Roberta Wilson, St. Petersburg, FL, sisters Angela Wilson, Clermont, Fl, Rhonda Gagliardi, St. Petersburg, FL, Dawn Wyatt, Aurora, CO, nephews Brad Intrater, Norfolk, VA, Mark Intrater, San Marcos, TX, nieces Anna Phillips, Palmetto, FL and Sarah Gagliardi, St. Petersburg, FL.
A celebration of the life of this humble and honorable man will be on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach, 21 First Street, Fort Walton Beach, FL.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ or a charity of your choice.
After spending some time at St Petersburg College, he began a military career proudly serving for over 25 years in Air Force Special Operations as a Combat Controller. Following his father’s death in 1980, he returned to St Petersburg to help his mother manage Wilson Mattress Manufacturing Company. Five years later Rick returned to active duty as a Senior Airman and volunteered to attend Combat Control School for the second time to refresh his skills. At 32 years old he successfully completed the arduous training.
Rick loved his family and his country and was devoted to both. He had a servant’s heart and would give anything he had to someone in need. Today we rejoice in the knowledge that he is forever at home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Richard is survived by his wife Samreong, mother Roberta Wilson, St. Petersburg, FL, sisters Angela Wilson, Clermont, Fl, Rhonda Gagliardi, St. Petersburg, FL, Dawn Wyatt, Aurora, CO, nephews Brad Intrater, Norfolk, VA, Mark Intrater, San Marcos, TX, nieces Anna Phillips, Palmetto, FL and Sarah Gagliardi, St. Petersburg, FL.
A celebration of the life of this humble and honorable man will be on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach, 21 First Street, Fort Walton Beach, FL.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ or a charity of your choice.
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