OBITUARY

In Loving Memory of Reverend Charles I. Wilson III

March 8, 1944 - July 17, 2024

Reverend Charles I. Wilson III, a man of unwavering faith and love for others, passed away surrounded by the warmth of his loved ones and cherished memories at Banner Baywood Medical Center, Mesa, AZ. His journey through life began in New Orleans, Louisiana, at Charity Hospital to the parents of Rev. Charles I. Wilson, Jr., and Pearl V. Wilson on Wednesday, March 8, 1944.

Charles was a cherished new baby boy who brought so much blessed joy to his parents after the loss of their first son soon after delivery. Charles hoped for a brother but gladly assisted in caring for and raising his six little sisters by getting a job as a young boy. He also helped his mother invite neighbors from the community to their church as they pioneered for the Church of God in Arizona. He embraced his faith and accepted the Lord as his Savior at an early age, learning from his parents and the church where his father pastored at Park South Church of God in Phoenix, Arizona.

Educational Background and Achievements

Charles completed his elementary school education in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Tucson, and Phoenix, Arizona, where his parents were called to fulfill ministerial positions. He graduated from South Mountain High School in Phoenix and obtained his B.A. and M.A. degrees in Education and Administration at Arizona State University. Charles and Evelyn received their Master of Divinity degrees from Anderson University’s School of Theology in Anderson, Indiana. They worked as missionaries for eight years in Kenya, East Africa (1981-1989), teaching, preaching, and uplifting the people. Charles also opened petrol stations there to support pastors they trained.

Military Background

On February 16, 1966, Rev. Charles I. Wilson III was drafted into the U.S. Army and reported for basic training at Fort Ord Military Base in Marina, California. He trained as a Combat Medic Specialist at the U.S. Army Base in San Antonio, Texas before being deployed to South Korea. Charles recognized his calling to the ministry during times of prayer on the hillsides of South Korea. After completing his assignments, he was Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Army on February 8, 1968.

Early Family Life

Rev. Charles I. Wilson, III was delighted to be the charming groom for his lovely bride, Evelyn Price. They were married at her home Church of God in Hanford, California, in June of 1969. Five beautiful children were born to this union: Charles IV, Gina Verean, Adrienne Akech (born in Phoenix), and Wyatt Wendell (born in Anderson, Indiana). Their fifth beloved child, David Scott, was born and buried shortly after his birth in Kenya, East Africa. As missionaries for the Church of God in Kenya, Charles and his family faced many joys, challenges, and victories. To date, they consider Kenya their second home and are blessed with lifelong Kenyan friends.

Occupational and Church History

Rev. Charles I. Wilson, III worked as an excellent mechanic at Shad’s Texaco as a teenager and later as a dedicated delivery and sales employee with the Coca-Cola Company. After returning to the States from Kenya, Charles served as Principal of Maxine O. Bush High School in the Roosevelt School District in Phoenix, Arizona.

Recent Years

After a soul-searching voyage following his divorce, Charles embarked on a new chapter in the enchanting city of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Amidst vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes, he fell in love with the beauty of the country and met his next love, Nelum Sepalika. They wed there in a traditional Sri Lankan ceremony surrounded by family and friends on September 8, 2008 and remain married. Settling in various locations with Nelum across the United States, including Arizona, Colorado, Alaska, and most recently Mesa, AZ, Charles continued his enthusiasm for life and living. He exercised each morning at sunrise, connected with neighbors, and actively participated in the Christian and Bahai community. Charles I. Wilson III leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and joy that echoes in the hearts of his loving family and friends.

Preceding His Death

Parents: Rev. Charles I. Wilson, Jr. and Rev. Pearl V. Wilson

Sisters: Gail Clora Carter and Ann Pearl Cason

Child: David Scott Wilson

Present Family Members

• Nelum Wilson and Evelyn Price-Wilson
• Charles I. Wilson IV, Gina Verean Wilson, Dr. Adrienne Akech Wilson-Nwakuna (Ikechukwu), Wyatt Wendell Wilson (Puk), Ikechukwu Peter Nwakuna, Corrie DeAllen Lyke
• Joy Davis, Lynn Foster, Joan Johnson, Sharon Smith (Carlos)
• Prema Munasinghe, Savithree Munasinghe, Hemali Munasinghe, 
• Jaidynne Lyke, Skyler Wilson, Milo Wilson, and Greyson Lyke
• Charles I. Wilson, III is also survived by numerous relatives, including nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. 

May he rest in eternal peace and power.

The family asks that donations be made here online at 

https://everloved.com/life-of…        

or mailed to:

Heart at the Center Foundation

in memory of Rev. Charles I. Wilson III

411 N. Kyrene Rd. 

Unit 125

Chandler,  AZ 85226

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