Charlie Wilson

Command Sargent Major Charlie James Wilson (Retired) was born on October 15, 1953, to James Henry Wilson and Juanita Fluellen in Perry, Georgia. After his mother passed away when he was nine years old, Charlie was raised by his devoted Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Mildred Fluellen in Fort Valley, Georgia. In their care, he went on to graduate from Peach County High School in 1972. Later, Charlie earned an Associate and Bachelor’s degrees in mental health counseling from Troy State University in Columbus and a Master’s Degree in mental health counseling from Fort Valley State University. He also graduated United States Sergeants Major Academy in El Paso Texas in 1995.

On March 16,1973 Charlie married the love of his life, Linda Joyce Wright and remained in that union until his untimely death on February 9, 2023. To this union, were born Segunda Wilson, Sadio Wilson, and Jamila Brown (Troy), all who reside in central Georgia.

In 1973, Charlie enlisted in the United States Army. He and Linda were first stationed at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma. He went on to tour domestically and internationally, including in Korea, and served with distinction for 31 years, before retiring in 2003. Charlie received many commendations during his military career including, the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (4th Award), Army Commendation Medal (7th Award), Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal (3rd Award), Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Ribbon, with numeral 4, Service Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal (10th Award), Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Awards), Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar, Expert Marksman Ship Qualification Badge with Pistol Bar, Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver-W Bar, and Drill Sergeant Identification Badge. Post-retirement Charlie served as the Veterans Affairs Financial Aid Counselor in the Financial Aid Office at Fort Valley State University. He served in excellence there as well—his military background making him uniquely qualified to support military students seeking financial support for higher education. His supervisor notes that Charlie knew what forms needed to be completed, could tell students where to find them, and troubleshoot issues because he knew first-hand what was required of military personnel. Further, his work ethic and discipline gained him the respect of the students and his co-workers. His supervisor described Charlie as the best the university ever had in the position.

Beyond his career achievements, Charlie’s pride and joy were his wife and family. Linda says the two were together from the moment they first laid eyes on each other, standing in her yard, when they were 12 years old. From that day on, he never left her side. They went everywhere together, unless it was a place she couldn’t go; and even then, they always made it back to each other. Charlie was a devoted husband, anticipating his wife’s every need. Linda never wanted for anything or had to worry about anything she needed because Charlie always took care of her. And she took care of him, raising a beautiful family and carrying for him until he took his last breath.

His children will remember that their dad was always there for them, with whatever was needed—conversation, support, advice—beyond material things. With a smile on her face, Sadio remembers that her dad always said she was his baby, especially since she looked just like him. She remembers that he always made her feel safe. At the same time, he challenged his children to always “finish the mission” and to never give up; to try even if they didn’t succeed. Jamila says this advice taught her to be strong and will forever make her grateful to him because he was a real dad, in every sense of the word. Segunda will remember spending time with his dad, doing everything together from working on cars, sharing meals, to just shopping and talking. In his words, his dad was his rock, and he was his daddy’s son. His dad knew when he was struggling and how to reach him when he was at his lowest. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t discuss with his dad, and he knows that kind of love and support can never be replaced. Segunda is grateful for the gift that God shared with him, when he made Charlie his dad.

Charlie leaves behind siblings: Evelyn Hubbard (Robert) of Lizella, Iola Robinson (Atlanta), Brenda Allen (Macon), Miriam Love (Tony) of Fayetteville, Jimmy and Arleathea Fluellen (Kathleen), Marvin Wilson (Houston County), James Henry Jackson (Warner Robins). He also leaves to cherish his memory his mother-in-law Katherine Wright (Jack, deceased); brothers-in-law Reverend Homer Wright (Gracie, deceased), Jerry Wright (Bridgette), Tony Wright (Tracie), and Jack Wright Junior (J’Nelle); and sisters-in-law Diane Osayameh and Sundra Ayangbile (Gbenga).

He was a doting grandfather to Lane, Malcolm , Charlie IV, Devedrick, Desiree; great-grandfather to Malcolm Jr., Dominique, Miles, Makai; and an uncle, cousin, and dear friend to a host of loved ones.

Charlie was also a member of Blue House H A M M A- H A M M A Lodge, Past Master; Red House William L Gardner Chapter H R A M, Past High Priest; Purple House Willie J Anderson Council R&S, Past Thrice Illustrious Master; Black House Milton F Jones Commandary, Past Eminent Commander; William Hawkins Prairie Number 13, Member; Consistency Capital City Number 106 Shrine Yemen Temple 152, Honorary Past Potentate.

Charlie is truly gone too soon and will forever be missed by his family and all who had the honor of knowing him.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.