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Charlie Steven Wilson, Jr.
August 27th, 1943 - May 12th, 2024
August 27th, 1943 - May 12th, 2024
Charlie Steven Wilson Jr., born on August 27, 1943, in Houston, Texas, was a beloved figure who indelibly marked the world around him with his exemplary life and accomplishments. His life's journey came to an end on May 12, 2024, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
Raised by his loving parents Charlie Sr. and Alberta, Charlie was destined for a life filled with remarkable achievements and profound relationships. As the loving brother to Fariss Wilson Murphy, Charlie's familial bonds were strong and enduring. Charlie exhibited a sheer sense of responsibility from an early age. His life was an embodiment of service, commitment, and care, qualities that were profoundly reflected in his chosen career as a firefighter.
Charlie's journey of service began with his graduation from San Jacinto High School in 1962, followed by his enlistment in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves the same year. After serving honorably, Charlie was discharged as a Sergeant, E-5, in 1967.
His initial career as a Firefighter Volunteer at the City of West University Place Volunteer Fire Department started in 1960. He later served the City of West University Place Fire Department from 1963 until 1967. Charlie's career took a significant turn, and he joined the Houston Fire Department in 1967, a position he held until 2002. His dedication to fire service led him to be a Fire Training Consultant at Fire and Safety Specialists Inc., from 1977 to 2004, and a Fire Protection Consultant at Industrial Fire World from 1980 to 2002.
His commitment to the safety of his community was exemplary, which he demonstrated through multiple occupational roles throughout his career. He served as the 9-1-1 Assistant Coordinator for the Houston and Jersey Village Fire Departments from 1984 to 2002, and also joined the Jersey Village Volunteer Fire Department, where he worked from 1985 to 2002.
Charlie's diligence was not limited to his career as a firefighter; he was also an academic who sought to share his knowledge with others. He served as a Fire Protection Program Instructor at San Jacinto Junior College from 1992 to 1997. Charlie later became an instructor at the Texas Forest Service, a position he maintained from 2003 to 2012.
Throughout his career, Charlie had numerous achievements and milestones, Charlie was a Certified Advanced Firefighter (1976), Certified EMT (1981), Certified Arson Inspector (1982), and a Certified Police Sharpshooter (1983) for the City of Houston Arson Bureau.
Charlie's leadership qualities shone through in his role as President of Harris County Fire Fighters Association in 1979 and again in 1989. He was revered in the fire service community, earning the title of Instructor of the Year by the Texas Society of Fire Service Instructors in 1981.
In the early 1990’s, Charlie, at the invitation of the South African government, went to South Africa, touring the country and spready his knowledge of the 9-1-1 systems to the local governments and fire departments.
Charlie was elected City Councilman in Jersey Village in 1993 and served as Mayor Pro Tem for 4 years.
However, Charlie's life wasn't only about his professional pursuits. In 1964, he married Judy Monroe and welcomed two sons, Charlie Wilson III; fondly known as C3, in 1969, and Kenneth Wilson in 1970. The joy of fatherhood was one of the defining moments of Charlie's life. He treasured his family and was a loving father to his sons. Tragically, he faced the heart-wrenching loss of his son Kenneth in 1987, the same year his mother Alberta passed away.
After divorcing Judy in 1985, he found love again. In 1993, Charlie tied the knot with Linda, a remarkable woman who stood by his side, supporting him in all his endeavors. Linda was his rock, and together they navigated the highs and lows of life.
Charlie's latter years were marked by a significant shift as he transitioned to life in Fredericksburg, Texas, in 2002. He fell in love with Fredericksburg as a young man and always planned to retire there, so it was a no surprise when he began construction on his retirement home on Running Buck Lane in 2001, a testament to his commitment to a plan for the future. Bringing his lifelong professional experience to new endeavors, he joined PCAA in 2002, becoming Vice-President in 2005, President in 2011 and Director in 2015. He was a vital team member in helping grow Oktoberfest into what it is today. Charlie was lifetime member of the HCM Auxillary and served as President from 2012 to 2013. He had strong ties to the community and will be sorely missed.
The legacy Charlie leaves behind is large and impactful. His life was a testament to his dedication to service, education, and family. He is survived by his wife, Linda Cruse Wilson, his son, Charlie Steven Wilson III, his sister Fariss Wilson Murphy, and his grandsons, Shawn David Wilson and Jacob Dillon Wilson.
Charlie Wilson Jr.'s life reflected his dedication to service and his unwavering commitment to his family and community. Charlie's life journey came to an end on May 12, 2024. His legacy, however, will forever be remembered in the hearts of the many lives he touched through his service. He was a true hero, a dedicated public servant, and a man of exemplary character. His life and service will continue to inspire many generations to come.
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Valorie & John Miller
Our heart felt condolences to Linda, Charlie III, Fariss and family. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). Charlie was such a good person. He had a very loving heart and always thinking of the other person. Charlie was there to lead the way and give a helping hand to those in need. I know that he is with our Heavenly Father now. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:1-4). Valorie and John Miller
Jim Reid
Charlie was an amazing leader and member of the Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance. Over his years of service, it is hard to find an area that Charlie did not make better through his energy, enthusiasm, and plain old hard work. We in PCAA will miss him.
Lynn White
Charlie Wilson was created by God for one purpose, to serve. As a dispatcher for the Houston Fire Department he would automatically answer, “911, what is your emergency? How can I help you?" That was Charlie, where ever he was. As a long-time personal friend of David’s and mine, anytime we needed help he was there. He and David were among the founding members of the Texas Society of Fire Service Instructors. When they attended the International Society meeting that has become know as the Fire Department Instructor’s Conference, Charlie organized a Texas night dinner at a Memphis, Tennessee restaurant. They were always ready to work with Charlie as the dinner participation grew year after year to be bigger than Texas. Charlie was an “adopted son” of our dear friends Connie and Joe Gross who owned a mail order company known as Robert’s Company. We helped them with their booth at EMS and fire conferences and they often asked Charlie’s opinion on new items they were thinking about adding to their catalog. It was common for them to put Charlie’s name on items that needed a name printed on them. Charlie was their biggest customer of fire helmet charms. I don’t know how many he has given as gifts, but everyone receiving them knew he was a special person who would always be there to talk through their challenges. From the beginning of the Industrial Fire World Expo in 1985, he was the master of ceremonies and set the stage for Texas hospitality we wanted attendees from other countries and states to experience. Then he would work feverishly behind the scenes to help any way he could. He helped me shop for the truckload of supplies for our hospitality room and made sure everything was ready. He assured speaker plaques were given to every speaker, with eight sessions changing every two hours. Charlie went with us to South Africa to speak at their Fire Congress. Starting in Johannesburg and making lunch and dinner stops at fire departments as we drove south across the country to Port Elizabeth, Charlies spread Texas hospitality at every stop, but most important he introduced them to the 911 system for emergency calls. The fire chiefs who heard him insisted he meet with President DeKlerk to tell him about the system. This was at the time of the anti-apartheid movement. Sensing their desire to move forward with change, he assured them by reminding them they should be a proud nation, because a South African surgeon performed the first successful heart transplant. He won their hearts. Back in Texas, I remember when Charlie moved to Jersey Village and immediately looked for ways to help his friends at the JVFD. His answer was to run for City Council to assure they got the budget they needed for remodeling the fire station. His success was due to his outreach to everyone he could stop and visit with in Jersey Village while campaigning. He became the “people’s representative.” His front yard was the place to be on July 4th where he hosted a watermelon party for anyone who could come. A time came when I needed a house in the Houston area for a video production company to use to make videos for an AgriLife Extension educational project. When I asked Charlie if we could use his home his answer was, “How can I help? What do you need me to do to make it ready?” He let us dominate his house for 5 days of video production and saved us thousands of dollars by not having to pay the production team to do the production in College Station… and his only request was that we not give him a credit line. He was blessed to meet Linda in a communications training session. She became the focus of his life and Linda, you are the best soulmate Charlie could have. You became a partner in his life of service. Those of you in Fredericksburg saw Charlie shift into his service role at high gear. He knew locals only would be elected to public office so he signed up to help everywhere he could be helpful: the Octoberfest set up and take down crew; the church; the VFD, and in support of Linda in her hospital volunteer work. Charlie was a special friend and servant of the Lord. Lynn White
Linda C Wilson
Charlie I know you are in heaven. And you will always be in my heart. Linda C Wilson
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