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Charles Wilgus Obituary
Charles Priester Wilgus passed away peacefully at his home in Serenbe, lying comfortably beside both his parents, on May 30, 2025.
Charles was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 24, 2002, to his loving parents, Leonora Davis Wilgus and Paul Charles "Charlie" Wilgus, Jr. He was the proud older brother of Henry Butler Wilgus and Leonora "Cole" Wilgus.
From the moment Charles entered this world, he embraced life with a glowing spirit and a genuine love that radiated and captivated everyone he encountered. Despite living with Cockayne Syndrome, an extremely rare degenerative disease, he lived every day with optimism, joy, and a curiosity that was truly inspirational. His unique blend of honesty, humor, and spirituality made him a true treasure to us all.
Charles had a servant's heart and an adventurous soul. He loved the outdoors, rock climbing, horseback riding, football games, music, selling firewood, and working various jobs throughout his community. He always wanted to help, serve, love, and laugh without judgment or agenda with anyone who would let him in. His body was small and fragile, but his God-loving heart was bigger than life itself.
Charles was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Paul Charles Wilgus and William A. Davis.
He had a very special bond with his adoring grandmother, Sallie French Wilgus, who provided comfort and care to him all the way through his final hours.
Other survivors include his grandmother, Leonora Simpson Davis; his aunt, Margaret Wilgus Lesley; uncle, Alec Lesley; cousins, Alec, Jr., Butler, and William; uncles, Bradley Davis, James D'Elicio, and Glen Davis; aunt, Kim Davis; cousins, Georgia and Priester; his grandmother, Jane Wilgus; uncle, Travis; aunt, Michelle Robinson; cousins. Davis, Brooks, and Crosby; as well as the countless friends and caregivers who loved and cared for Charles in extraordinary ways throughout his life.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 PM on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta, GA, with a reception to follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Catalyst Sports, or Corral (www.corraltrc.org). Condolences may also be expressed to the family online at www.mckoon.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Wilgus
Sponsored by McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory.
2 Entries
Anne (Haddow) Freeman
June 4, 2025
Leonora and Charlie-
I am heartbroken to hear of Charles´s passing. I taught in Kenan at the Atlanta Speech School with Danielle Garrett many moons ago, and sweet Charles´s face always brightened my day. I can still see his precious 3-year-old face now, walking down the hall with the biggest smile on his face. I cried when I saw his obituary in the newspaper this morning, remembering that sweet angel boy.
He was truly the luckiest boy in the world to have you as parents, and I feel blessed to have known him, if even for a short while. I am covering you and your family in prayers during this difficult time.
Love, Anne (Haddow) Freeman (aka Ms. Haddow)
Don Weissman
June 4, 2025
By his life he totally debunked the myth that valuable contributions to our society can only be made by those who are perfectly healthy. This man was a giant and left all of us with treasures he created.
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