Charles Wilburn Wilson, 89, of 906 Spring Avenue, Ruston, La., died Friday, March 12, 2010 in Louisiana State University Hospital, Shreveport, La.
Born in Akron, Ohio, he was the son of the late James Henry and Edith Meadows Wilson. Charles was raised by his father and stepmother, Clara Belue Wilson in Polk County. He was married for 61 years to the late Helen Ometta Grigg Wilson, who died in 2002. He was a graduate of Clemson University, class of 1949, and was a veteran of the U. S. Navy, having served in both WWII and the Korean Conflict. He served for five years as an assistant agriculture agent in S.C. before accepting a position at Louisiana Technical University as a professor, where he retired after 25 years of service.
Charles had perfect attendance in the Kiwanis Club of Ruston, La., for 54 years, holding all offices and was in charge of the pancake fundraisers for 25 years. He was a former president of the Louisiana Square Dance Association and later served as an LSDA board member. He was currently the president of the Caney Lake Swingers in Jonesboro and had been an LSDA Club Delegate for various North Louisiana clubs including Crosstrailers in Monroe, Wheeler Dealers in Dubach and Peachtree Promenaders in Ruston. He and Helen began square dancing in l970. He was a member of the Temple Baptist Church, Ruston, La., where he was active in the choir
Surviving are: a son, Keith C. Wilson (Elene) of Idaho Falls, Id.; a daughter, Ethylen L. Wilson of Oklahoma City, Ok.; three sisters, Mary Jo Evans of Jacksonville, Fla., Reba Hodge of Landrum, S.C., and Judith Bradley (Malcolm) of Pauline, S.C.; Also surviving are three grandchildren, Scott Wilson, Thomas and Tonya Pixton and three great-grandchildren, Sally Englung-Pixton, Taylor and Megan Pixton.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 18 in the Hickory Grove Baptist Church, Columbus, with Dr. Michael Keel officiating.
Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday just prior to the service in the Hickory Grove Baptist Church.
An on-line guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com
McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon.