Douglas "Doug" Gary Wilson

Douglas "Doug" Gary Wilson, 81, of Charlotte, North Carolina passed away peacefully on Monday, October 2, 2023 with his family by his side. He was born in Youngstown, Ohio on May 29, 1942 to Harold Jay and Florence “Wilma” Wilson.

Doug graduated from Lincoln High School in Canton, Ohio where he lettered in football, basketball and baseball and was a standout athlete in each. He attended Case Western Reserve University where he played football and graduated with a BS in chemistry. After graduating in 1965, he began a teaching career in Mansfield, Ohio at Johnny Appleseed JR High and Malabar High School teaching chemistry, biology, earth science, and he was also the wrestling, football, and basketball coach at both schools. In 1979, he left teaching and became the Southeast Regional Manager for Gorman-Rupp Pumps Mansfield, OH. He and his family moved to North Carolina and lived in the Charlotte area from 1979 to 2023. Doug retired from Gorman-Rupp in 2007.

Doug was a member of both Hickory Grove United Methodist Church and most recently, Philadelphia Presbyterian Church in Charlotte. He loved playing bridge and poker and was extremely good at both. Doug loved gardening and had a deep passion for model trains (he had quite a layout!). He was an active member of the Levine Senior Center in Matthews, NC for several years.

Doug loved his family, his children, his grandchildren and his home with all his heart. He was a two-time cancer survivor and most recently was battling Alzheimer. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.

Doug is survived by his beloved wife, Jo Ann Wilson; his daughters, Stephanie Pennell (Scottie), Angie Wallace; his grandchildren, Katlyn Badanjek (Nick), Taylor Pennell, Nicholas Kirka, Caroline Kirka, Natalie Kirka; his brothers, Greg Wilson (Deb), Harold Wilson (Kay); and many other extended family members.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Olde Sycamore's Pool Clubhouse, 7831 Olde Sycamore Drive, Mint Hill, NC.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a Cancer or Alzheimer’s research foundation in honor of Doug (see links below).