Colonel Charles Robert Wilson, US Army Retired

Charles (Chuck) Wilson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on Feb 27, 2025. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Betty; his daughter, Susan; grandchildren, Brendan, Robert, Michael (Logan), and Christine; and great-granddaughter, Lilly. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Helen; brother, James; and sister, Mae.

Chuck grew up in Indiana and moved to Naples in 1957. He graduated from Naples High School and attended the University of Florida, working summers surveying for W. R. Wilson and Associates.

Chuck was drafted in 1964 and dedicated 30 years of service to the United States Army, where he served with distinction, including two tours in Vietnam. He flew both Rotar Wing and Fixed Wing before he branch transferred to the Corps of Engineers. While in the Engineers, he commanded the Composite Battalion in the 20th Engineer Brigade at Ft. Bragg in Fayetteville, NC and the 11th Engineer Battalion at Ft. Belvoir, VA. He and his family had numerous stateside assignments and also served in Germany twice, Japan, and Belgium. His unwavering commitment to his country was a reflection of his deep sense of duty and honor.

Throughout his life, and especially in retirement, Chuck embraced adventure and the outdoors with an unparalleled passion for endurance trips. He was an incredible person who loved people and loved life. He was the consummate adventurer and retired with a bucket list of adventures that couldn’t be completed during his 30 day vacations. He started checking these off after retirement. Some of the highlights are that he hiked the Eastern Continental Trail from Key West to the north end of Newfoundland and he biked from Key West to the Arctic Circle in Alaska. He also undertook a remarkable horseback riding journey from Savannah, GA to San Diego, CA and navigated the wilds of the Yukon River by canoe. He was joined and supported in these trips by his wife, Betty. Chuck also enjoyed many years of sailing and RVing with friends and family, hiking the approach trail to Mt. Everest from Lukla to Tengboche Monastery, as well as hiking, biking, kayaking, and trail maintenance with the Alligator Amblers, the local chapter of the Florida Trail Association. His zest for life and exploration was an inspiration to those who knew him.

Chuck was a man of great strength, kindness, and adventure, and he will be remembered for his indomitable spirit, love for his family and friends, and the stories he left behind.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal. Richard Puz, author of The Carolinian.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Avow Hospice, Inc., the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida or a charity of your choice.