R.B. and Pat Wilson
Howdy. I’m R.B. Wilson. This is my story. Once upon a time there was a guy who was recently divorced and pretty lonesome. A good friend, Judy Elliott, saw this sorry state of affairs and asked me if I would be interested in meeting a friend of hers. My kids had already tried to fix me up with their friends, but there was definitely an age gap. These gals were into much younger lifestyles than I was at the time. Nice enough, but I couldn’t keep up with them. Heck, I was old enough to be their daddy! This time I was looking at meeting someone who wouldn’t run me ragged (I thought). I told Judy I was willing to meet Pat, but I was only looking for a little “ice cream” on the side.
Our first date was while I was working a little off-duty police security job at a closed car dealership. She called and asked if I’d had dinner. Huh! My ex didn’t leave me with enough to afford dinner. So, sure, I was willing to give her directions and watch for the dinner wagon to roll up. She showed on time (a good mark in her favor) and sho nuff, fried chicken and all the trimmings were spread out for me. After I finished wiping the chicken grease off my face she turned to me and said, ”Judy said you were only looking for a little ice cream on the side”. She later told me my face was as red as Santa’s suit. Then she pulled an Eskimo Pie out of the cooler and handed it to me. I was had!
I have to admit I was struck by cupid’s arrow, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to get too involved right then. Well, those thoughts eventually evaporated, and we were married on April 18, 1993 (man, I hope I got that date right), in Oklahoma, accompanied by Judy and Tommie as witnesses. I’m a lucky man.
My first foray into motorcycles was years ago. A used 1976 Honda that was more fun than all get out. I went for years without riding until I met Pat. A friend of hers had a 1986 Suzuki 750 with the faring and bags. Also, fun to ride, and it was big enough to ride to Dallas and back everyday. This went on for quite awhile until the wiring went south. I sold it and did without until the spring of 2006. I got tired of watching Tommie & Judy ride out of their driveway going to rides with their GWRRA chapter. I talked to Pat, and she agreed that it wouldn’t hurt to look around for a good used bike. Tommie and I put about 200 miles on my truck driving all over north Dallas, Collin County, etc., but didn’t spot my first Wing until we pulled into Greenville Honda Yamaha. It was a white, 1996 SE. I now ride a 2004 and love it.
Of course, Pat and I joined GWRRA and hooked up with Chapter G-2, and the rest is history. We have made some great friends and enjoyed some fabulous rides together.
R.B and Pat