Charles Woodrow Wilson

Eighty-nine years ago in Amarillo, Texas, Charles Woodrow Wilson, was first of three children born to Charley and Nellie (Thweatt) Wilson. He was born at home and began a very fruitful life on July 17, 1932.

His primary educated was in Amarillo and Tuskegee, Alabama. He attended Virginia Union University where he was recruited to play football and ended up being an all-star track and field athlete. Charles spent two years in the Army stationed in the Pacific Northwest region. He graduated from the Phoenix Police Academy in 1958 and served on the force for a short period. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Grand Canyon College in Arizona.

He married Betty Lee Clark December 1957 and they subsequently moved to the Phoenix, Arizona after stopping there on the way to California. They both joined Wesley United Methodist Church in 1958 and Charles was still a member until the day of his death. He served Wesley in various capacities over the years. On May 24th, 1960, Betty gave birth to their only child, Charles Jr. Betty died of lupus in 1987.

Charles’ strong work ethic served him well in his work life. He began his career selling life insurance for Golden State Mutual and New York Life Insurance companies from 1958 to 1968. He then built a career at General Foods and retired as a District Sales Manager in 1991. He then spent another two decades working with Berry Realty.

In July of 1989 he married Bettie Ann Dacus and was with her until his death. They lived in Mesa and Chandler.

He enjoyed sports his whole life, especially track and field. He followed ASU college sports as well as the Suns and Cardinals and played golf locally.

Charles passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 17, 2021, a supportive and dedicated son, brother, husband, and father, a loving grandfather and uncle, and a good friend to all.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Marion, and Kay, and first wife Betty Lee Clark. He is proudly survived by his wife, Bettie, son, Charles Wilson Jr. of Phoenix, his three grandchildren, Trey (wife, Kaho), Levi and Halle Wilson, daughter-in-law Jane Wilson, a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Service for will be held Friday, Aug. 27, 2021 at Wesley United Methodist Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Wilson family at www.resthavencarrtenney.com.