Thomas Henderson Wilson

Thomas Henderson Wilson (Big Tom), 77, of Milford Center, passed away late in the evening on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Riverside Memorial Hospital in Columbus, Ohio after complications from multiple infections.

The oldest of two children, Tom was born November 29, 1947, in Ashland, Kentucky to the late John William (“Bill”) and Ruby (Jones) Wilson. Tom has worked a variety of jobs throughout his years starting as an orderly at Riverside Memorial Hospital in the 60’s; to becoming a co-owner of “Wild Bill’s Chopper Shop” in Columbus where he learned the art of “chopping” bikes and made some of the most amazing Choppers in the area; to working as a Mail Carrier for the US Postal Service at the Upper Arlington Station in the mid 80’s. During his time at the Upper Arlington Station, Tom served as the Mail Carrier’s Union Steward for the Upper Arlington Branch. Tom also co-founded the “One New Toy” event while working in the postal service and continued with the event for many years after retirement. On and off throughout the years, he would run into a young woman by the name of Gloria G. Richardson. They both shared a deep affection for gardening and a passion for a variety of music. When they finally had their first date, they spent the entire day together riding around on a golf cart at Port Clinton, drinking Bloody Marys, and learning everything about each other. From that day forward, Tom and Gloria became inseparable! They each brought out the best in each other. On August 18, 2006, the two of them married in a personal ceremony on a mountaintop in Nevada, with a surprise and beloved sound of a motorcycle gang in the background. Tom and Gloria shared almost 19 years of devotion, family, music, and gardening!

Tom and Gloria loved to wander together, from Hocking Hills, to the mountains, and various music concerts, especially with their best friends, Rusty and Anna Jones. In all their travels, they always had music playing and could not resist stopping EVERYTHING to deal with flowers and gardening! The two of them would start each day by turning on their music playlist which could be heard throughout the house and start talking about what they wanted to do that day. Anytime you came to their home, their very eclectic playlist could be heard all day long! Tom was one of those people you remembered from the very first time you met him. Some would say it was because of how tall he was and/or how he would usually have on a graphic t-shirt of Harley or something music. When you got to know him, you would more than likely say it was his vast knowledge of so many things. If you wanted to know about Harley Davidson motorcycles, he could tell you their history and how to fix them. If you needed a recommendation for new music, he ALWAYS had something new and interesting for you to listen to. Tom simply loved his life and all the people in it! His presence will forever be cherished by those who knew him best!

Tom is survived by his children, Lisa (Tim) Knisley, Jennifer (David) Bond, Garry (Carla) Williamson, Wendy (Ryan) Parcel, William Richardson, and Michael (Chelsey) Richardson; 19 beloved grandchildren; and 5 adored great-grandchildren; sister, Ellen Price; as well as several nieces, nephews, and other extended family members and dear friends.

Along with his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his wife Gloria Wilson on February 5, 2025.

In Tom’s memory, contributions may be made to Shaw-Davis Funeral Homes, 34 West Second Ave., Columbus, OH 43201, to help the family with the unexpected expenses. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.shaw-davis.com