Charles Roland Wilson's Obituary
Charles R. Wilson, age 77, passed peacefully into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on July 7, 2026 at Northside Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Charlie was born on September 1, 1948 in Schenectady, New York, to the late Thomas Miller Wilson and the late Beryl Cooke Wilson. He spent much of his childhood in Waynesboro, Virginia, graduated from Hampden-Sydney College, and later earned a master’s degree in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Charlie raised his family in Jacksonville, Florida, where he and Rebecca Wilson shared many years together. Throughout his career, he worked in banking, later became a financial advisor, and eventually found great joy in teaching. While he found fulfillment in his work, his greatest source of pride was always his children and the families they built.
He loved his children deeply and never missed an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments. He was immensely proud of Carrie, who became a veterinarian; Ben, who rose to become a construction executive; and Lisa, whose compassion led her to a career in nursing. His face lit up whenever he spoke about them, and nothing brought him greater happiness than watching them build meaningful lives and loving families of their own.
Charlie treasured being “Grandpa” to his six grandchildren. Whether sharing stories, encouraging their dreams, or picking out the perfect gift for any occasion, they brought him immeasurable joy. He delighted in watching each of them grow and cherished every opportunity to be part of their lives – especially when it meant spending time on the water, teaching them how to fish.
Charlie’s lifelong love of fishing began during childhood trips to Miami with his grandmother. The water was his happy place, and he found his greatest peace with a fishing rod in hand, surrounded by family and friends. If there is an ocean in Heaven, there is little doubt Charlie has already found the fish.
Charlie was also deeply grateful for the love and companionship he found with his beloved wife, Jan. Together they built a life centered on faith, family and serving others, sharing many joyful years in Palmetto, Florida.
Above all, Charlie loved the Lord and sought to reflect Christ’s love through a life of humble service. Whether greeting others with a warm handshake and a joke at church, volunteering with Samaritan’s Purse, teaching practical biblical principles to men at Loving Hands Ministry, mentoring troubled youth at the Jacksonville Marine Institute, delivering meals through Meals on Wheels, or serving as Guardian ad Litem for the Manatee and Sarasota court system, he quietly and faithfully looked for ways to make a difference. His kindness, generosity, and servant’s heart touched countless lives.
In addition to his parents, Charlie was preceded in death by his sister, Sharon (Richard) Weber.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Jan Wilson of Palmetto, Florida; his daughter, Carrie (Casey) Rodriguez of Indialantic, Florida; his son Benjamin (Erin) Wilson of Cape Coral, Florida; his daughter Lisa (Eric) Frank of Blythewood, South Carolina; his stepson Spencer (Jessie) Ramsey of Manistique, Michigan; his cherished grandchildren, Zachary and Kinley Rodriguez, Marina and Demi Wilson, and Katelynn and Caleb Frank; eleven nieces and nephews, and sixteen great-nieces and great-nephews.
A Celebration of Charlie’s Life will be held 2:00 PM Saturday July 18, 2026, at Bayside Community Church, Palmetto Campus. He will be laid to rest at Skyway Memorial Gardens in Palmetto, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to one of the organizations closest to Charlie’s heart: Bayside Community Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Dogs, Inc.
Charlie will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his servant’s heart, his love of fishing, and above all, the deep love he had for his family. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the family he loved so faithfully, and the countless people who were blessed to know him.
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