CHARLES ORLANDO WIMBLEY MAJOR USAF RET.

August 11, 1932 ~ October 22, 2010

Charles Orlando Wimbley, Major USAF Retired, passed over peacefully surrounded by family, and with a smile on his face on October 22, 2010, from complications of pneumonia. He was 78 years old. In 1952, he married the love if his life, Jeanne. Together, they raised 6 children and moved 32 times during his distinguished military career.

Charles was born August 11, 1932 in Columbus, Ohio to Arthur W. and Lillie Pearl Bland Wimbley. He exhibited leadership from an early age, accompanying his father to help to help neighbors in need. He worked three jobs, got married, joined AFROTC, co-founded a chapter of Omega Psi Phi and still graduated in three years from Ohio State University.

During his distinguished career in the Air Force, Charles was one of the first African-American pilots, and flew for 20 years of his 23 years of service. As a major, his management duties included supply, procurement, human resources, and social action. He established the national MWR/Social Program. Charles received the USAF Outstanding Supply Officer award, the Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters; and the US Army Commendation Medal, for meritorious service and USAF Daedalian Award.

After retiring from the Air Force, Charles served as a procurement manager for Lockheed Aircraft Services Division, Iran; Affirmative Action and Grievance Resolution Officer for Merced County; and Director/Coordinator Refugee Services, as Executive Director of Merced County's Central Valley Opportunity Center.

Always an avid thinker, Charles valued education his entire life. He had additional education in the Air Force Institute of Technology; completed a year of study at McGeorge School of Law, and California State College Stanislaus for International Relations. At 50, he earned a Masters of Arts in Education from Chapman College.

Charles was active in AFSCME local 2730, Merced County Chamber of Commerce, Atwater High School Advisory Committee, MUHSD Curriculum Advisory Committee, and DAV. Charles served numerous years in Democratic Party including delegate to the 1988 Democratic National Convention.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, elder brothers Arthur Lee, Willie B. and Abdullah Leroy; infant son Carter, daughter, and Michele Jean.

He is survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Jeanne Wimbley, sisters Kathleen Wimbley Brazil and Ruth Ann Grace; sons, Charles A, Dwight D (Terecita), Dwayne I (Lisa), Dr. Mark, and daughter, Chareane (Jim Gouveia); grandchildren: Kyle Gouveia, Matteo Gouveia, Markie Wimbley, Anthony Wimbley, and Aaron Wimbley, and numerous great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 29, 2010 from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon at Whitton Family Funeral Service, 740 W. 19th Street in Merced. A graveside service with Military Honors provided by Travis Air Force Base Honor Guard will be held Friday at 1:30 P.M. at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Whitton Family Funeral Service.