Charles Walter Wilson Jr.

Born January 23, 1939 Norfolk, Virginia

Death January 09, 2024 Homestead, Florida

Charles was born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia. He was raised by his mother, Bessie N. Hollomon, and his step-father, Raymond Mantell.

He and his lifelong best friend and fellow class clown, the late Sidney Midgett, managed to graduate from Norview high school in 1957. During high school he joined the US Naval Reserves but in the summer of 1957 (just a few weeks after graduation) he had a sudden change of direction and joined the US Air Force. (Rumor has it that it was due to a verbal disagreement with a very angry US Navy Lt. Commander). This decision would change his life in ways he could never have imagined.

One of his first assignments was at Biggs Air Force Base in El Paso, Texas. It was here that he met the love of his life, Dora Rodriguez. They fell in love and were wed in December 1959. Together they raised four children: Ramon Rodriguez, Patricia Wilson King, Michael Wilson and Jerry Wilson. They were together for 39 years until her passing in October 1998.

His military career took him to many exotic locations around the world and not long after getting married he was sent to Thule, Greenland. During his time there he finagled his way on to a flight going to the North Pole. Unfortunately upon arrival a high ranking officer needed to depart immediately and he was unable to go the rest of the distance and get to the actual pole.

In 1968 he had (another) disagreement with a supervisor and sought a transfer to a different location. Luck was with him and within days he found himself headed to sunny Southeast Asia (also known as Vietnam). He arrived around the time of the Lunar New Year festival (in 1968 - 1969 this became known as the Tet offensive). He had assignments in many locations such as: South Korea, Spain, El Paso, Texas, Topeka, Kansas, Roswell, New Mexico and Homestead, Florida.

It was in Homestead, Florida that he retired from the Air Force in 1977 and this was where he called home for most of the rest of his life.

After his retirement he went on to work for Sear and Roebucks in the automotive department, 7-11 as a cashier and AutoZone as a sales clerk.

He was a huge Miami Dolphins fan and would always cheer for them in spite of their record. He would watch football every chance he could, it didn't matter if it was the NFL or college, and as he grew older even started watching soccer.

He had a huge sweet tooth and loved spending time with his family, cookouts, minced meat pies, Mexican food, going to the rodeo, movies, air shows, watching Netflix or YouTube, listening to classical music and most of all gambling. He loved the scratch off tickets but most of all it was those one armed bandits that kept him happy and he could spend hours at one of his two favorite local gambling spots.

He is survived by his four children, seven grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and his cousin Patricia Waldron.

He was known by many names: Mr. Wilson, Tech Sgt Wilson, Doc, Charles, Charlie, Dad, Pops, Uncle Charles and Grandpa. He was loved by those who knew him and he will be missed.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 26, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM at Funeraria Del Angel Martin Central, 3839 Montana Ave with a Rosary beginning at 9:30 AM. Graveside service will follow at 11:00 AM at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Blvd, with military honors.