Charles Carver ("C.C.") Wilson

Wilson, Charles Carver “CC” of St. Petersburg, Florida passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2020. His friends and loved ones take solace in that he is now free of illness and pain where fishing is good and salty dawg and margarita fountains are flowing freely.  He’ll never miss a Nascar race even though he is high above us, but we will surely miss him.

Close family that will never forget his “no holds barred” life: his wife Sandy Wilson, daughter Winnie Kay Wilson Sunquist, grandson Hunter Sunquist, grandson Harmon Sunquist, stepson Ementi Coary, daughter-in-law Tina Coary, granddaughter Lili Coary, and  granddaughter Sabrina Coary. Yet family does not just include relatives: Ruff and Beretta will miss his special treats.

Born and raised in North Carolina, he grew up loving adventure.  He refused to be a bystander in life. He was an engaging storyteller, prankster, sneaky gambler, avid fisherman and hunter, grill and smoke master, and world traveler.  He never met a stranger and always knew how to bring people together for celebration.  At the tender age of 18, CC joined the army.  He went from enlisted to helicopter pilot and ended his military career as warrant officer.  Never too boastful about his accolades received, he should be remembered as a distinguished military veteran.  He was honored by so many awards and medals including but not limited to: 37 air medals,  Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, 2 Purple Hearts, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation, Army Good Conduct, National Defense, Armed Forces Expeditionary, Vietnam Service with 6 service stars (1 silver, 1 bronze), Armed Forces Reserve, Vietnam Campaign, UN Gallantry Cross, Oakleaf DFC, Army Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation.  Countless lives were saved by C.C., and by saving those lives he impacted the many generations that followed.

Though most proud of his military service, C.C. also had a second career with the United States Postal Service.  He was more than just a mail carrier.  He was a good neighbor, a watch dog, an advisor and a listener for those that needed someone to hear them.  He delivered friendship while delivering mail. CC was an integral part of the communities he served.

On the lighter side, there is so much for all to remember and cherish.  C.C. was known for a strong appreciation of the female form; fortunately, he never developed whiplash from snagging a glance. Despite that “appreciation,” he was always loyal and cherished the woman in his life. He was an amazing gift giver; you would never receive a gift card from him. Instead, you’d receive something unique and individual to you because he put thought and love into everything. His generosity was abundant.  He was not a man to blindly donate to organizations.  Instead when he saw a need, he directly provided it, even for strangers.  From sending money to a friend of friend that just lost her husband, the sole provider for that family, to making sure a homeless man had food for his dog, he sought to help others.  After Hurricane Andrew, he took it upon himself to collect food and supplies, rented a U-Haul and delivered donations to individuals himself. C.C. even lives on in print, highlighted in the novel Dust Off written by Michael J. Novosel. Finally, he was a man that knew the value of a quality recliner for napping and tv viewing.

Everyone that truly knows him would want to be on CC’s Ride, mind you, that was his boat. He embraced every moment, big and small. His attitude reflected in the songs he loved such as: “Margaritaville,” “Why Don’t We Get Drunk?” “Treat her Like a Lady,” and “Know When to Fold Them.”

C.C. will now rest easy, take long walks, watch beautiful sunsets, and enjoy the company of those that were waiting for him at heaven’s gate. No doubt he is regaling friends and family with his latest tale. C.C. is  also surrounded and being loved by many of his past pets: Gypsy, Happy, Osa, Chief, Sugar Pye, Miesha, Shadow, Cannonball, and Bandita.

A Man of Honor

A Man of Integrity

A Friend to Many

A Family Man

And NOW all of his catches will be the BIG ones.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the Fisher House. To donate go to http://engage.fisherhouse.org/goto/Charles_Wilson

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles Carver ("C.C.") Wilson, please visit our floral store.