Charles B. Wilson, 87, of Summerville, GA, passed away Sunday, September 23, 2012, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.
A native of Dutton, AL, he was born to the late James Aubry Wilson Sr. and Lena Ada Eva Gibson Wilson on October 12, 1924 and was known to his many friends as “Charlie B.”. Mr. Wilson moved to Summerville in 1936, where he graduated from Summerville High School and married the love of his life, Dora Ellen Bynum on April 16, 1943. After a month of married bliss, he entered the United States Army and after training, landed in the “D” Day Invasion on June 6, 1944, in the third wave at Utah Beach-Normandy, France, made his way through France into Belgium and also fought in the “Battle of the Bulge”. For his service Mr. Wilson received many medals and commendations from the U.S. Army and was awarded the Medal of Honor from France just a few years ago.
Mr. Wilson was a member, deacon, and lead the church choir of West Summerville Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by siblings-Claudine Fowler, Maughee Evans, Ewert Wilson, Lorenzo Wilson, and James A. Wilson, Jr. Surviving are his wife Ellen Bynum Wilson, daughter-Phyllis (Earle) Rainwater, sisters-Montez Gladney and Joan Renslow all of Summerville; grandchildren-Tracy (Tracy) Rainwater, Schawna (Vince) Collier, Clint (Amy) Rainwater; great grandchildren-Emily Marie Rainwater, Lauren Elizabeth Rainwater, Abbie Lynn Rainwater, Chris Allen and Carrie Elizabeth Martin; great great grandson-Graydon Allen; several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 26 at 2 p.m. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Dr. Kenneth Summey, Rev. Lavonne Humphrey, and Mr. Al Castillo officiating. Musicians are Joy Greer, Bobby Groce, Buddy Barnes and Randy Croy. Active Pallbearers will be Tracy Rainwater, Schawna & Vince Collier, Clint Rainwater, Rex Evans, Mike Shireman, Eddie Shireman, and Jerry Underwood; Honorary Pallbearers will be the Fellowship Sunday School Class of Summerville First Baptist Church, John Wagoner, Tommy McGraw, Derrick Parrish, John & Diane Hayes, Betty St. Clair, Rakia Harris, and Karen Polson. Burial will be in Summerville Cemetery with Military Honors rendered by American Legion Shanklin-Attaway Post #5 of Rome.
The Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home Tuesday, September 25 from 6-8 p.m. Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.