Charles Wilson's Obituary
Charles “Charlie” F. Wilson Germantown, TNCharles “Charlie” F. Wilson, 95, of Germantown, TN, died October 24, 2015. Born September 16, 1920 in Vicksburg, MS, he was preceded in death by his parents, J. S. P. Wilson and Ethel Nelson Wilson; a sister, Eleanor Wilson Rockwood and brother, J. S. P. Wilson, Jr. He graduated from Central High School in 1937. Charlie first worked at Kirkpatrick Coal Co. moving to Anderson Tully Lumber Co. in 1939 beginning a career in the lumber industry that would span over 75 years. He married Eleanor Hinkle Allen on November 26, 1941. They moved to Vicksburg MS where both were employed by Anderson Tully Co. They returned to Memphis in 1946 where Charlie was employed by Gates Lumber Co. In 1949 he joined Nixon Lumber Co, serving as one of its incorporators and vice president until 1964 when he left to found Wilson Lumber Co. He served as president of this business, currently located in North Memphis, through 2012 when he was succeeded by his son, Terry Wilson. Charlie and Eleanor were among the earliest members of Christ Methodist Church, joining in 1957. Charlie was widely known and admired for his service to the lumber industry in Memphis and the Mid-South. He was a member of the Lumberman’s Club of Memphis, serving as its president in 1966. He was named Lumberman of the Year in 1983, an award he named after his father, J. S. P. Wilson. In 1996 he received Lumberman of the century. He served on the Board of Directors of the Memphis Better Business Bureau from 1962 to 1967, National Hardwood Lumber Association, Southern Hardwood Traffic Association, International Order of Hoo-Hoo, and Southern Cypress Mfg. Association. He was president of the Memphis Chapter of the National Association of Purchasing Management. He was one of the founders of the Architectural Woodwork Institute and Lumberman’s Educational Foundation of Memphis. His civic service included the Shelby County Grand Jury in 1958 and 1959 and 25 years as precinct captain for the Shelby County Republican Party. An avid fisherman, Charlie joined the Horseshoe Recreation Club of Hughes, AR and served as its president for several years. Charlie and Eleanor traveled extensively through Europe, Asia, Australia, China, and were able to travel all 50 states with his lumber company’s affiliations. He leaves behind his wife of 73 years, Eleanor of Germantown; his daughter, Larane Wilson McKee (Harry) of Granbury, TX; his son, Terry Allen Wilson of Germantown; grandchildren, Christopher Allen McKee (Lori) of Dallas, TX, Victoria Eleanor McKee of Dallas, TX, Monica Jane Barton (Derrick) of Bloomington, IL, Melanie Wilson Hodge (Matt) of Greenwood, MS and Noah Wilson of Germantown; and four great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends on Friday, October 30 from 1:00-2:00pm with the service to follow immediately. All services will be at Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Lumberman’s Educational Foundation of Memphis.
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