On Saturday, June 20, 2026, Richard Franklin Wilson, Sr. gave up time for eternity. In sweet peace, he departed this life of 88 years at the Hinkle Hospice House in Lexington, North Carolina. We, his family members and friends, bow in humble submission to the Will of God.

Richard was the son of the late Glenn Thomas Wilson and the late Mattie Neely Wilson. He graduated from the R.A. Clement High School in Cleveland, North Carolina. After high school, he enlisted into the United States Army. Richard received his basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. After serving his country Honorably in the Army, he returned home to start his family. He retired after many years in the workforce as a security officer.

He attended Friendship Baptist Church in Cooleemee, North Carolina. A former member of the Rockway Lodge #532 in New York, enjoyed working puzzles, carpentry, fishing, hunting and playing music. A true Braves baseball fan, Richard enjoyed talking about his military days and many called him Captain. He loved his community at Mock Place.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by a brother, George Wilson; three sisters: Mildred Bares, Mary Lassiter and Glennie Latten.

A man of wit, friendliness and capability, Richard Franklin Wilson, Sr., was loved and admired by all who knew him.

Richard committed himself to the preservation of his family's history which he helped to preserve and retell. He leaves to cherish the memory of his life, his wife, Kellie Woodruff Wilson of Yadkinville; a daughter, Kathy (Richard) Jenkins of Wilmington, North Carolina; a son, Richard Franklin Wilson, Jr. of Mocksville, North Carolina; grandchildren: Trina Marie (James) Jackson, Richard Jackson, Jr., Nathaniel (Heather) Birt, Leigha Birt, Katrina Birt- Jenkins, Tyshwan Jenkins, Jalonnie Wilson, and Amaya Wilson; thirteen great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; a brother, Jimmie (Deborah) Wilson of Salisbury, North Carolina; three sisters: Claudine (Larry) Clark of Chester, Virginia, Dr. Patricia Copeland of Charlotte, North Carolina and Vonnie (Edward) Cunningham of Rock Hill, South Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family would like to say a special "Thank You" to the Hinkle Hospice House, in Lexington, North Carolina for the exceptional care that was given to Mr. Wilson and the love and support given to the family on a whole.

Graveside and Military Rites will be on Monday, June 29, 2026 at the Salisbury National Cemetery, in Salisbury, North Carolina.