Charles Wilson

Obituary For Charles Wilson

Services will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at

Alfred Street Baptist Church 301 S. Alfred Street Alexandria,VA 22314

Visitation: 10 a.m.

Funeral: 11 a.m.

Charles Wilson was a retired U.S. Air Force officer who was dedicated to advocate for the youth of Alexandria. He served in numerous advocacy positions and made a difference in countless situations, including through his service as vice chairman of the School Board for Alexandria City Public Schools.

He grew up in Chicago and credits his early education for setting him on a path to success. He was one of two minorities selected to attend an elite Jewish high school which he considered to be a turning point in his life.

Wilson went on to study at Southern Illinois University, where he was a part of the ROTC program. Upon graduation in 1964, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. He was deployed to Vietnam, where he served with the 82nd Fighter Squadron and the 315 Air Commando Wing.

For nearly a quarter of a century, Wilson served his country, including as executive director of the U.S. Department of Defense executive leadership program at the Pentagon. He was also a military liaison to the Republic of China, advancing through the ranks and retiring as a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force in 1988.

Upon his retirement, Wilson began a career in financial planning and human resources development. He ran for and won election to the School Board in 2003, serving nearly 10 years including as vice chair.

Additionally, he became involved with the Parent Leadership Training Institute. At the time of his death he was a member of the advisory board of the Alexandria chapter.

In 2009, one of Wilson's Omega Psi Phi fraternity brother, Jim Paige, was in the process of establishing the Concerned Citizen's Network of Alexandria. Col. Paige asked Charles to join the organization. He did and served as CCNA treasurer until his death.

In 2003 he was inducted as a Living Legend of Alexandria.

Charles has served as a municipal consultant to the City of Dayton, Ohio and as an adjunct professor at Park University. Additionally, he established a vending machine business in San Antonio, Texas, as well as being credited with the invention of the carousel used in microwave ovens.

Wilson leaves his wife, Kum Cha and four children, Audrey, Angela, Andrew and Aaron.