Richard Samuel Wilson passed away on February 26, 2022 in Boca Raton, Florida at the age of 92. He was born on May 15, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois. Richard was adopted by Alfred and Matilda (Dodge) Wilson in November 1930 where he was raised at Meadow Brook Hall, his family's country estate in Rochester, Michigan.

Richard's early childhood education began at Brookside School and Vaughn School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He then went on to Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana. While in high school, Richard played football, ran track and was the Captain of the Elite Artillery Unit. Richard continued running track at Michigan State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture.

Soon after graduation, Richard began working at the Fuller Brush Company and a few years later at the Standard Oil Company. During this time, he discovered his true passion of harness racing. Richard began to pursue horse racing with his sister Frances (Dodge) Van Lennep. Together they were a powerful force to be reckoned with. They found success in the horse racing industry both in Michigan and Florida, including managing Wolverine Raceway and Pompano Park. In 2005, Richard was inducted into the Florida Harness Racing Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the Thoroughbred Racing Association and the Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association. Richard was an accomplished equestrian, extremely intelligent, generous to a fault, witty and kind. He lived a very full and vibrant life.

In 1997, Richard and his wife, Jane (Foster) Wilson, retired to Palm City, Florida. Together they enjoyed traveling, their yearly beach vacation, swimming, playing cards, watching all Michigan State University sports and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Jane Wilson, his wife of 48 years, passed away in September 2018 in Palm City, Florida.

Richard was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Richard was preceded in death by his children's mother, Elinor (Baldwin) Wilson. He is survived by his four children, son Lawrence and his wife Deborah, daughter Barbara and her husband John, daughter Linda and her husband John and daughter Patricia and her husband Wallace; he was a beloved Poppa to his grandchildren Megen, Bailey, Katelyn, Abby, Matthew, Michelle, Wallace, Patrick and Mackenzi; step-grandchildren Nicholas and Gina; along with nine great-grandchildren and one more to come in August 2022. Pop / Poppa will forever be in our hearts.

In remembrance of Richard Samuel Wilson and in lieu of flowers, the family please requests any charitable donations be made to Meadow Brook Hall (350 Estate Drive, Rochester, Michigan 48309).