SOUTH STRAFFORD, VT — Richard Tyson Wilson, 97, of South Strafford Vermont, died peacefully on Saturday June 22, 2019 surrounded by close family.
Born November 10, 1921 in Merchantville New Jersey, to Elizabeth Tyson and Winfield Wilson, Richard served in the Army Air Corps during WWII. He met and married Frances Hawkins in December 1945.
Richard was a true salesman and sales were his livelihood. He started selling heavy equipment for Caterpillar in New Jersey, and then John Deere in Vermont. Richard and Frances moved from Moorestown, NJ to South Strafford in 1969. Over the course of his life in Strafford, he served as Secretary of the Strafford Historical Society and was owner and manager of what is now Coburn’s General Store. With John Linehan, Richard was instrumental in building the tennis courts and developing a tennis program in Strafford including lessons for all ages and free racquets for children. He was also an active republican. Later in life Richard raised sheep with Frances and sold electric fencing systems.
A consummate gentleman and an easy friend, Richard was well known for his lively sense of humor and play. He was a daring athlete who enjoyed tennis, skiing, motorcycling and golf.
Richard is predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Frances Hawkins Wilson, a son Richard T. Wilson Jr., his brothers James, Winfield, and David Wilson, and his sister Esther Wilson Perkins.
He is survived by daughters Randy Coffin of Strafford VT, Sperry Wilson of South Strafford VT, and a son David Wilson of Windsor VT, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Graveside service will be held at 3pm on August 10th at the Evergreen Cemetery in South Strafford.
Donations in his name can be made to the VA Hospital in White River Junction by calling Volunteer Services at 802-295-9363 ext. 5391.
A private message of sympathy for the family can be shared at www.boardwayandcilley.com. The Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home in Chelsea, VT are assisting the family.