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Charles Wilson, a retired U.S. Air Force officer who later served nearly a decade on the Alexandria City School Board, died Aug. 12 at age 83.
A longtime advocate for Alexandria’s young people, Wilson credited mentors Ferdinand Day and Lynnwood Campbell with inspiring his extensive community service.
“They said I was blessed and that I needed to give back to the community,” Wilson said after being named a Living Legend of Alexandria in 2023. “So I jumped in where I thought I could make a difference.”
Born Oct. 25, 1941, Wilson grew up in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green public housing complex. He described his selection as one of two minority students to attend an elite Jewish high school as a turning point that helped him recognize his potential.
Wilson joined the ROTC program at Southern Illinois University and, after graduating in 1964, was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force. He deployed to Vietnam and served with the 82nd Fighter Squadron and the 315 Air Commando Wing.
His military career spanned nearly 25 years. His assignments included serving as executive director of the Defense Department’s executive leadership program at the Pentagon and as a military liaison to the Republic of China. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1988.
After leaving the military, Wilson worked in financial planning and human resources development. Alexandria voters elected him to the School Board in 2003, beginning nearly 10 years of service that included a term as vice chairman.
Wilson also became involved with the newly established Parent Leadership Training Institute, a nonprofit that helps parents advocate for their children. He remained on the advisory board of its Alexandria chapter at the time of his death.
In 2009, Omega Psi Phi fraternity brother Jim Paige invited Wilson to join the Concerned Citizen’s Network of Alexandria as the organization was being formed. Wilson served as its treasurer until his death and was its longest-serving board member.
“Charles was the heart and soul of CCNA,” Paige said. “As our longest serving board member, he led with integrity, purpose and passion. His legacy of service will live on in our community, and his spirit will always remain with us.”
Wilson’s other roles included municipal consultant to the City of Dayton, Ohio; adjunct professor at Park University; PTA president; and vice chairman of the Northern Virginia Hotline.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maryland in 1976 and an MBA from Webster University in 1979. He also established a vending-machine business in San Antonio, Texas, and has been credited with inventing the microwave oven carousel.
A fellow of the D.C. Life Underwriters Council, Wilson participated in organizations including the American Society for Training and Development, Toastmasters International and the human rights commission of the International Personnel Management Association.
Wilson is survived by his wife, Kum Cha, and four children, Audrey, Angela, Andrew and Aaron.
A memorial service will take place Tuesday, Aug. 26, at Alfred Street Baptist Church, 301 S. Alfred St. in Alexandria. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m.
Reflecting on the educational opportunity that changed his life, Wilson often expressed gratitude for those who supported him.
“I am thankful to all those who encouraged me along the way,” he said. “I truly have been blessed.”