Obituary of Charles Burton Wilson

MANCHESTER, TN - Charles (“Chuck”) Wilson, 83 passed away on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at NHC-Tullahoma in Tullahoma, TN. He was born in Hillsboro, TN on January 22, 1938 to James Herbert and Georgia Wilson who preceded him in death along with his wife Arlene, and sister Alice Joy Dye. Chuck moved to Chicago in his young teens, where he met the love of his life, Arlene. Their teenage romance began with Chuck buying her a 25-cent hot dog for lunch. Their love blossomed and they eloped on October 8, 1955. They were married over 61 years until Arlene passed away in 2017. Chuck served in the U.S. Navy from 1958 – 1962, which was followed by two years in the reserves. He had a successful career as a machinist at Bell and Howell, Hughes Aircraft, and General Motors. He was involved in the manufacturing of parts for guided missiles and other projects for the military. He and his wife raised three sons, David, Bobby, and Larry, at their home in Chicago, IL. He was a devoted husband and father. He was very handy and could tackle any house project from painting, to electrical and plumbing. He and his wife imparted the value of family to their children. He taught his kids how to fish and play pool, and took his family on vacations to Tennessee, Florida, and one huge vacation to see all the National Parks in the west. Chuck planned their three-week western vacation the old-fashioned way (pre-internet) by looking through travel guides and books to plan their trip in the family’s station wagon. He and his wife also took a five-week camping vacation to Alaska. He and his wife were blessed to retire early and they moved into their new home in Manchester, TN. In the early years of retirement, he was often driving with his wife or mother in his pickup truck to pick up sugar for making pies and jelly. Chuck loved the country life and was passionate about his vegetable garden. He would deliver huge sacks of potato’s, jarred pickles, and green beans to his sons anytime he visited Chicago. He was very proud of his huge garden. In fact, if anyone comes across a jar of pickles from the 1990’s he would say they are still good and go ahead and eat them. Chuck and Arlene were blessed to be able to enjoy retirement together for many years. They would travel for months in their Winnebago in Texas and Florida, and occasionally a short trip to the nearby Old Stone Fort State Park. His favorite past times included jigsaw puzzles, card games, fishing, and watching westerns on the TV from his lazy boy recliner with the volume turned on high. He cherished spending time with his family, grandchildren, siblings, and friends. He was very proud of his grandchildren and had a special bond with each of them. Chuck was extremely independent. He would never want to bother anyone if he needed help, though he was always ready to help a family member or friend in need. The past four years without Arlene was a struggle for him. But he was brave and tried his best. He was an excellent patient as he battled with stage four lung/brain cancer. This past summer his body couldn’t sustain anymore, and he lost his battle. He will be deeply missed. We can all take comfort that he is now with God and is reunited with his soulmate Arlene and is no longer alone. He is survived by his sons, David (Peggy), Bobby (Mary), Larry (Kim), grandchildren, Kyle, Ryan, Todd, Danny, and Crystal, sister Virginia Parker, brothers Houston and Ronald, and many nephews and nieces. Visitation with the family will be held Monday, August 30, 2021 from 11am until funeral service time at 1pm at Central Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to NHC-Tullahoma, 1321 Cedar Ln, Tullahoma, TN 37388. Chuck spent his last two months under their care. He loved the staff’s kindness and the care that he received. He also enjoyed the ice cream they provided him. www.centralfuneralhome.com; 931-723-7774