Charley Wilson

Charley Wilson, age 90, went to his Heavenly Home to meet his Lord & Savior, Jesus, on Wednesday night at his earthly home with 3 people who loved him very much by his side.  Other family members came quickly when they received the word of his passing.  

He was born June 22,1933 in Waxahachie, Texas to Charley A. Wilson and Roberta Johnson Wilson.   He said “YES” to Jesus when he was 16 years old and served Him faithfully all his life.  

He graduated from Waxahachie High School in 1950.  Charley had worked with his Dad for many years at their family owned business, C.A. Wilson Co. He later became a partner with his three brothers and retired in December 2016.  

Charley joined the US Army on May 6,1953 and was Honorably discharged as Corporal in the Military Police on May 5, 1955.  

He met Iris Lee, September 1950, at the Optimist Carnival Ferris Wheel.  He had just graduated from high school, and she was entering WHS as a freshman.  Their romance continued even long-distance after he left for his Army duty.  When he returned home in May 1955, Iris had made all the plans for their wedding on July 8, 1955.  Their wedding was the first one in the New Sanctuary at First Methodist Church in Waxahachie.  Charley had been a member of First Baptist Church, Waxahachie, after his baptism but joined the Methodist Church with Iris shortly before their marriage.  Charley & Iris were married almost 69 years and have 4 sons, Darrell, Justin, Lyndon & Clint. 

Charley had served his family, church & community with great humility, never wanting any praise for himself.  He didn’t like it when Iris wasn’t mentioned in his accomplishments because he knew how much she supported all his opportunities to serve.  

His priority was always Iris and their sons, but he also had several opportunities to serve his church and community.  During the years at First Methodist Church, Charley was Youth Superintendent for morning and evening Bible study and activities.  He was Secretary of Stewardship; Board Chairman; Chm. Of PPR Committee.  One place of service that was dear to his heart was serving as Co-Chm for the construction of the Education Wing.  In 1983, Charley & Iris were called to begin the New Life Adult SS Class for members who were not part of any Adult Class.   For 17 years their mission was “What Does the Bible Say about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and other basic truths of the Bible.  

Abbott, Corsicana, Dublin, Ennis, Ferris Heights, Milford, Maypearl & Red Oak.  He was also asked to speak outside of the district responsibility in Ft. Worth, Dublin and at Layman’s Retreats at Glen Lake Camp.   Charley was elected Vice Chairman of the Central Teas Methodist Conf. Adm. Council.  

Charley enjoyed his membership and Presidency of the Optimist Club of Waxahachie.  The Club attained the position of Honor Club and he was awarded Distinguished President status for the 1962-63 year.  These honors were the highest achievements a Club and President could reach in Optimist International.  

In 1964 Charley served as a Director for Penn Park Little League Baseball.  1966 he began his community service through the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce:  Director; Retail Trade Committee; President-elect; & President.  

Family always came first!! He always looked forward to the family reunions at The Harbor on Possum Kingdom Lake (PK). Charley & Iris always loved to just sit back and enjoy watching the Grands & Greats playing games, sharing funny stories that made everyone laugh, singing some of his old songs and eating fabulous meals prepared & served by family Chef Teams.  Chapel on Sunday morning was always a highlight of each reunion. 

Those blessed memories will be kept and shared for years to come.   

 Charley was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Alvin, Lonell & Clarence, two sisters, Aline Wilson O’Daniel and Betty Lou Wilson Parten.  

 He is survived by his wife, Iris; sons, Darrell, Justin & Denise; Lyndon & Angie; Clint & Suzanne. Oh, how he loved the grands: Rachel, Nicole & Hannah Wilson, Jennifer & Jimmy Kite, Lindsey & Justin Laird, Josh & Bella Wilson, Ryan & Nickie Wilson, Jessica & Ian Moore, Audrey & Luka Milicevic, Micahla & Austin Vaughn, Reid & Hannah Wilson, Faulker & Chase Parker, Whit & Betsy Bragg Emerson.  Charley also had 19 great grandchildren: Gabriel & Lily Kite; Lincoln, Leila & Beckham Laird; Asher, Titus, Eli & Jude Wilson; Mia, Jaxson, Hope & Heidi Moore; Charley & Louella Milicevic; June & Will Vaughn; William & Ella Parker.  He is also survived by sister Linda Strength & James; sister Wanda Way; sisters-in-law Betty Wilson and Lila Wilson.  His extended family included many nephews & nieces and his Loving Caregiver, Sonia McCraney.       

If desired, the family requests that donations be made to: Campfire Creek Therapeutic Riding Center, 767 Bethel Road, Waxahachie, Tx.   75167.   First Look, 213 YMCA Dr. Waxahachie, Texas 75165.