Richard Wilson

Dr. Richard Hayes Wilson, PhD, 82, passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. Born in Bristol, Virginia, to the late Edwin Holder Wilson, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Hayes Wilson. Dr. Wilson began his academic journey at Tennessee High School in Bristol, Tennessee. His passion for science and communication led him to pursue higher education with distinction: he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from East Tennessee State University, followed by a Master of Science from Vanderbilt University. He then completed his PhD at Northwestern University and continued with post-doctoral training at the same institution—laying the foundation for a remarkable career that would span decades.

Dr. Wilson’s professional life was marked by leadership and innovation. He served as Chief of Audiology at the Long Beach VA Medical Center before taking on the role of Chief of Audiology and Speech at the Mountain Home VA Medical Center. There, he dedicated many years to clinical service and research within the Department of Veterans Affairs. As a VA Senior Research Career Scientist, Dr. Wilson became known not only for his prolific research contributions but also for his commitment to mentoring students and trainees who would go on to shape the future of audiological science.

Throughout his career, Dr. Wilson received numerous prestigious awards recognizing his impact on the field. These included the Research and Education Award from the Association of VA Audiologists; the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Vanderbilt University's Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences; Honors of the Association from both the Association of VA Audiologists and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association; the Jerger Career Award for Research in Audiology from the American Academy of Audiology; and the Life Achievement Award from the American Auditory Society.

Survivors include his wife, of 43 years, Dr. Nancy Scherer; daughter, Ashley Abigail Scherer Wilson and spouse, James Boemker of Atlanta, GA; four siblings, Edwin Jr. of Knoxville, TN; Melinda Hart (Jim) of Elizabethton, TN; Christopher D. (Debra Van Derveer) of Brentwood, TN; W. Alexander II (Robin) of Knoxville, TN and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He will be remembered not only for his groundbreaking contributions to audiological research but also for his generosity as a mentor and colleague. His work has left an enduring mark on both clinical practice and scientific inquiry in hearing health. A pioneering figure in the field of Audiology, Dr. Wilson leaves behind a legacy of scientific excellence, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to advancing hearing healthcare. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and inspiration to those who follow in his footsteps. Donations may be sent to the American Auditory Society Fund (https://www.amauditorysoc.org/foundraising-fund) to support student research presentations.