LTC (Ret) Charles Wally Carlson

Charles Wallace "Wally" Carlson passed away April 2, 2012 in the arms of his devoted wife, Nancy. Born October 31, 1930, Wally spent 23 years in the U.S. Army, after graduating from the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY in 1954. Following a decorated career in the military, which included a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arizona, he continued his love of mathematics as the Head of the Engineering Department at Columbus Vocational and Technical School. During his tenure as a professor, he also received a Master's Degree in Education from Columbus State University and developed the certification program for the two-year engineering degree for the State of Georgia. He retired from teaching in 1996. Retirement allowed Wally to follow Nancy and become a certified scuba diver. This certification gave he and Nancy the opportunity to explore the ocean in places all over the world. He also had a love for reading and gardening but nothing surpassed his passion for golf. As a member of the West Point Golf Team, he established himself at an early age as one who had more than an ability to just play. Most notable was the fact that his team beat the U.S. Naval Academy all four years that he was at West Point. His talent stayed with him and, up until his death, Wally routinely was able to shoot his age. After marrying Nancy in 1998, he joined her love of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra by becoming very active in the Columbus Symphony Association. He is predeceased by his first wife, Mary Ann, along with grandson Cole. He is survived by sons Charles and Sam and daughter Cristina, along with stepson Jonathan Young and stepdaughter Lisa Oliver Weaver. Charles and his wife, Nancy, are residents of Powder Springs, GA and Cristina and her husband, Chris, are residents of Smyrna, GA. Sam is a Columbus resident and is Cole's father. Jonathan is a resident of Oakwood, GA and Lisa is a resident of Alpharetta, GA. Surviving grandchildren include Chase Carlson of Powder Springs, GA and Abbey Shoupe of Tampa, FL, children of Charles and Nancy. His surviving sister, Joan McKetchnie, is a resident of Sacramento, CA along with her husband Bob and son Geoffrey. And last, but by no means least, Wally is survived by his wife of 14 years, Nancy (the 2nd Nancy Carlson). Following his marriage to Nancy, Wally embraced Nancy's adopted family, the Hooglands of Springfield, VA. Their family includes three children and one grandchild. Wally was a devoted husband and a loving father/grandfather. Also, he managed to make an impression on all that he met and will be remembered by so many for his warmth, wit and desire to contribute to any conversation. Visitation will be at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary on Macon Road from 6:00 - 8:00 PM on Wednesday, April 4th.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 5th at Wynnton United Methodist Church on Wynnton Road in Columbus. The service will begin at 11:00 AM with Reverend Frank Parr and Reverend Lauri Hartly officiating.