Reverend Richard Lee Wilson, Sr. 1926 - 2011
A Voice Not Silenced
by William Jackson and Cheryl Williams
Even though Reverend Wilson has passed, death still does not
have the victory.
Reverend Richard Lee Wilson, Sr, still lives in the hearts and
minds he has touched with his biblical and spiritual teachings.
This icon of Pastoral stature was recently honored for his self-
sacrifice and service not only to West Friendship Baptist Church,
but to the service of Jacksonville, Florida and more importantly
the service to the Lord.
The passing of Reverend Wilson is a physical passing, but his
spirit, his soul; the true essence of this powerful teacher of life and
bible will live on through his words to each of us.
Whether in the pulpit, the choir, or in private conversations his
words had power and meaning. They will endure in each of us
that had the honor and privilege to have Reverend Wilson in our
lives.
Reverend Wilson was many things to many people; role model,
educator, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, confidant,
spiritual leader, community activist, and Man of God.
The quintessential purpose of being a Reverend is the saving of
souls. That is the mission of Men of God, to expand the kingdom
of God through biblical teachings. Rev. Wilson performed his duties
for over 55 years in the service to Jesus Christ.
No words can truly express the kindness Rev. Wilson showed, the
sacrifices he and his family has endured in their “good worksâ€,
the love he has expressed, the teaching and mentoring he has
conducted, even the individual homes he has blessed, children
christened and those he baptized renewing their commitment
to Jesus Christ.
Reverend Wilson was a unique and out of the box “Man of Godâ€,
having paid members rent, mortgages, utility bills, and even helping to
put children through college during his leadership at West Friendship.
There are none like him in this age of mega-churches, television
ministries and social media pastors. There are no others like him
and no others that can imitate, simulate nor can anyone duplicate him.
Rev. Wilson was the first African American Housing Inspector under
the late Mayor Louis Ritter (1961-1971).
This is my fiancée’s and my tribute to our beloved Reverend.
Thanks be to God for empowering Rev. Wilson with knowledge, wisdom,
anointing, and vision to build West Friendship Baptist Church to
continue the works of the Lord through Pastor Timothy L. Cole, Sr.
and First Lady Cole.
West Friendship Baptist Church will continue to do the works of the Lord,
to stay the course because a strong foundation was laid, a foundation
of spiritual anointing, not just a brick and mortar foundation.
What a might God we serve that allowed us to have Reverend Wilson in
our lives event for a moment.
Peace, Grace and Love to Reverend Richard Lee Wilson, Sr. and his family.
His voice cannot be quieten, stilled or quieted because it remains in each
of us.
Published in the Florida Times-Union on November 10, 2011
WILSON Rev. Dr. Richard Lee Wilson, Sr, 85, passed away November 2, 2011.
Rev. Wilson was a native of Jacksonville, FL where he served as pastor of
West Friendship Baptist Church for over 55 years.
He was the first African American Housing Inspector under the late
Mayor Louis Ritter (1961-1971). Rev. Wilson also served as the
Secretary of the Board of Trustees for Florida Memorial University, Miami Gardens, FL.
He is survived by a loving, devoted and caring wife Queen E. Wilson, 7 sons;
Richard, II (Rochelle), Lawrence, Bruce, Roderick, Maurice (Laurece) Anthony and
Micheal; 3 daughters; Kathleen Handy, April Wilson and Dawn W. Cole
(Rev. Timothy); 2 brothers, Charles Morrison (Minnie) and Eugene Morrison
(Delores) Miami, FL; 36 grand children, several great grands and
great- great grands, nieces, nephews, cousins.
Interment will Monday, November 14, 2011 at 11am in the Jacksonville
National Cemetery. Arrangements are in the trusted hands of
REGINALD R. MCKINNEY, L.F.D.I.C.