Charles Wilson's Obituary
Charles (Chuck) Wilson passed away Friday, June 15, 2018. Husband, Father, Papa, Father-in-Law, Brother and so much more. Chuck was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas to Leila and Martin Wilson on November 6, 1936. He was the youngest of four kids. He grew up on a modest farm and looked forward to trips into town where his family would sell their goods and he would be treated to a Hershey bar and a soda. Chuck was an All- State football athlete at Lakeside High School. He was as smart as he was athletic. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Arkansas (Woo Pig!) in 1961, all while working full time. He didn’t have a car, so he would hitchhike from his home in Hot Springs to Fayetteville to attend school. He was the first in his family to earn a college degree and went on to have a long career at Sinclair/ARCO/BP. He was respected and well-liked by his co-workers in Texas and beyond. He married Betty Johnson in 1962 and they celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary on April 27th. He took great pride in the family he created with her and even in his final weeks his eyes still lit up when she walked into the room. She was his girl. Chuck was an expert wood craftsman. He could make most anything. He would start whistling and just like that he made a beautiful piece of furniture. Tables were his favorite. He delighted in reading the newspaper every day and was super happy when he solved the Sudoku puzzle in ink…and he was right. As a man, he was quiet and reserved. A man who rarely raised his voice and never spoke an unkind word to anyone. He was our Dr. Doolittle who could win the trust of backyard animals like squirrels and raccoons by offering them nuts and treats and they would literally eat out of his hand. And if he hadn’t been outside to feed the animals, one particularly persistent raccoon would knock on the window to get Chuck’s attention. That raccoon and Chuck had a unique relationship to say the least. He would chuckle when folks asked him for his autograph because they thought he was Kenny Rogers. A sideways glance would let you know you were to cease and desist immediately. And he always thanked you for coming by to visit. Chuck was loved by his family and he loved his family in return. He was a constant, consistent presence. He was always the same. He wouldn’t complain, he was happy to go with flow. He was a man of few words. But when he did speak up, you listened. Whatever he had to say was worth hearing. He was always observant. Which wasn’t always a good thing if you were one of his daughters! It’s difficult to put into the space of an obituary how remarkable Chuck was and only his family truly knew him. We saw his strength in gentleness. We saw his faith in the way he lived his life. We saw his love in his loyalty. And we will miss him. Thank you…for everything.In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to either of the following organizations. Arkansas AlumniP.O. Box 1070 Fayetteville, AR 72702Please make check payable to:University of Arkansas Foundation Alumni Endowed Scholarship In the memo please put in Memory of Charles A. Wilson Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research Donations can be made directly on the website link above Select the “Donate in Tribute” tabIn memory of Charles A. Wilson
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