Charles Rayburn Wilson Jr.

PAID OBITUARY

Charles Rayburn Wilson Jr., age 73, of Merced, Calif., peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 11, 2018, at his home.

Born Jan. 5, 1945, in Bloomington, Ill., he was the son of the late Charles and Nora Wilson.

Charlie spent his childhood in Port Washington and enjoyed being the eldest of five children: Michael Wilson, the late Sara Wilson, the late Roger Wilson and Nancy Ann Crandall.

Charlie graduated from Port Washington High School, where he was on the debate team, served as editor of the yearbook, played three years of both varsity football and track, was in theater and earned his Eagle Scout award.

Charlie attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he met and married the love of his life, Lenice. They treasured 52 years of happy marriage.

After receiving his bachelor of science in political science and juris doctorate degrees, Charlie began his 48-year legal career at Castle Air Force Base as a judge advocate officer.

In 1974, he completed his military service as a captain, received the Air Force Commendation Medal and began his legal career in Merced. In 1995, he established the Law Office of Charles Rayburn

Wilson and was proud that he never retired.

Charlie enjoyed traveling, hiking, photography, jazz, bridge, theater, being a foodie and most of all his family. He was a dedicated and loving husband, dad and grandfather (aka Grandweezil), uncle, great-uncle, brother and brother-in-law.

Charlie dedicated most of his volunteer time and gifts to the American Cancer Society for over 35 years. He organized Relay for Life events, served as chapter president and was a leader in the movement for a smoke-free California.

He will forever be remembered for his sense of humor and wit, generosity, honesty, belief in paying it forward, patriotism, being the master of surprises and all the love and priority he gave his family and friends.

Charlie is survived by his loving wife Lenice; daughters Courtney and Andrea (Brian); grandchildren Kristen (Andre) and Geoffrey, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Charlie’s life was held on Friday, April 6, 2018, at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Merced.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Charlie’s name to the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html), Playhouse Merced (http://www.playhousemerced.com/), or Yosemite Conservancy (https://www.yosemiteconservancy.org/).