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Charles Rayburn Wilson
January 5, 1945 - March 11, 2018
Charles Rayburn Wilson, age 73, of Merced, California peacefully passed away on March 11, 2018 in his home. Born January 5, 1945, in Bloomington, Illinois, he was the son of the late Charles and Nora Wilson. Charlie spent his childhood in Port Washington, Wisconsin 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, was editor of the yearbook, played 3 years of both varsity football and track, was in theater, and earned his Eagle Scout award. Charlie attended the University of Wisconsin at 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 and brother/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, his daughters, Courtney and Andrea (Brian), his grandchildren, Kristen (Andre) and Geoffrey, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Charlie's life will be held on April 6, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 1455 E Yosemite Avenue, 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/).
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To be absent from your body is to be present with Lord.
Jeff Miller
April 2, 2018
I knew Charley when he taught me the ropes of being a logistics person for the Relay for Life for Merced. Though I haven't seen him for quite a long time I was proud to know him. My prayers are with his family and friend. Rick Little
Rick Little
March 31, 2018
My heart is now changed again. My deepest felt love I send to all who love Charles...He took care of my father's needs for decades, and we were fortunate to have had one last appt. with him only a few months ago. My dad had only good things to say about "ol' Charlie. May your family and his friends be blessed to know Charles was a friend to all.
Gina Zigerelli
March 30, 2018
My sister, Linda Holt, worked for Charlie for 32 years. She struggled with cancer the last 7 years of her employment with him. Charlie was so kind to her and always had her back. Because of him, Linda still had a purpose, a reason to get up because "Charlie needed her" but in the end when she could hardly type and would fall asleep at her desk, he let her believe she was doing great, and then had someone come in at night and do the work!! It brings tears to my eyes when I think of how he treated her like his own family to the day she died. Because she was so loved and appreciated, she survived stage 4 cancer for 7 years. He sat next to her bed and Linda said, "I may have to come back in a wheelchair Charlie, so you may have to push me around, Okay Charlie?" Yes, Okay Linda, you always have a job with me. She died a few days later. THANK YOU Charlie and Lenice for your endless kindness to her and our family. My Mom and Dad will never forget Charlie and his families kindness in keeping her alive and giving her purpose so she could continue to come to work and be with her wonderful friends at the office. He did not move anything on her desk until she died. He lit 32 bags at the Relay for Life event, one for every year of employment. Charlie was one of the most intelligent persons I ever met, yet so humble and gentle. Always had a chuckle in every conversation. Some people are truly kind and ask for nothing in return. Their joy is helping others, and that's Charlie. He was a Guardian Angel long before God called him home. And when he stands before God, our Lord will say to all of the Angels, now this man knows how to pay it forward, He gets it!!
Love you Charlie!!! Diane Robinson and the Holt Family, forever grateful. We will never forget you
Diane Robinson
March 21, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with you
Mary Empey
March 21, 2018
Cancer took his body, but his life was lived with a passion that gave others a reason to never give up. Missed but not forgotten. His legacy through his children and grandchildren will continue to inspire many.
Marsha Waggoner
March 17, 2018
Charlie was such a wonderful person to have met. I got to know him in Australia, and Charlie and Lenice were such wonderful people to travel with. Had many wonderful meals together and enjoy his sense of humor. Wish I could have traveled on other trips together. My condolences and prayers and with you, Lenice and all your family. I know he will be greatly missed by you and all his friends. Ernie
March 17, 2018
Charlie was such a wonderful and fun person to be around! Prayers to the family left behind.
Virginia Berry
March 16, 2018
At a time in my life when I was overwhelmed with grief, I was fortunate enough to meet this kind gentlemen. Thank you Mr. Wilson for your kindness and understanding. Rest in peace.
March 16, 2018
My heart broke when I heard the results of the tests. You always were the kindess and most friendly person. I lovef hearing about your most recent hike. Hugs to you Lenice, Andrea, and Courtney, and the grandchildren. May you find peace in knowing that Charlie is with our Lord.
Linda Roland
March 16, 2018
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