Charlew Henry Wilson II

Major General (Ret.) Charles Henry Wilson II, 99, a member of what Tom Brokaw referred to as "The Greatest Generation," passed away Monday, March 7, 2011 of natural causes at his home in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He was the son of Charles H. Wilson and Eva Perry Wilson. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 59 years, Eloise Sears Wilson; two sisters, Arlene Aldridge and Dorothy McDonald; and two brothers Seth "Bill" Wilson and Burley Wilson. General Wilson was born November 7, 1911, in Turner, Kansas. His family moved to North Little Rock, Arkansas in 1915. He graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1930 and married his high school classmate Eloise Sears, the daughter of Tim Albert and Rosa Lee Sears, in their home on January 1, 1937, after midnight, as this was a leap year. They soon built a home in the country south of Jacksonville and settled into raising a family. General Wilson's vocation was automobile mechanics. He started work as an automobile mechanic and worked his way to service manager at several automobile dealerships in the Little Rock Area before retiring from Russell Chevrolet in 1976 as their service manager. His career in the automobile industry was interrupted by a short stint as parts manager with Central Flying Service, service in World War II, and while serving as Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard during Governor Winthrop Rockefeller's administration. General Wilson joined the Arkansas National Guard in 1937 as an enlisted member of the 154th Observation Squadron. He remained in the 154th until 1940 when he was discharged as a private. When World War II began on December 7, 1941, he joined the U. S. Army two weeks later. As a result of his prior service, he was commissioned as a first lieutenant in the Ordinance Corp. This is very unusual as most officers begin their career as a second lieutenant and are later promoted to first lieutenant. After joining the Army he, along with a regular Army major and 2nd Lieutenant Andrew McCurry, toured automobile dealerships in the major cities in Arkansas. They recruited mechanics and formed the 264th Medium Maintenance Company, which was made up of primarily mechanics from Arkansas, with fill-ins from other states. The unit trained state-side before being deployed to Okinawa. The 264th maintained weapons and equipment to support the fighting forces until the end of the war in August 1945. The unit re-deployed to the States in early 1946. General Wilson commanded the 264th form its formation until the unit was disbanded after the War. He entered the service as a first lieutenant and was discharged after the war as a major. After the war Major Wilson joined the Arkansas Army National Guard and later commanded the 739th Ordinance Battalion as a Lieutenant Colonel for 17 years. He had other assignments and retired from the Arkansas National Guard as a colonel in 1966. Upon the election of Governor Winthrop Rockefeller in November, 1966, Colonel Wilson was selected as his Adjutant General for the Arkansas National Guard. After his selection he rushed home to dress for a press conference announcing his appointment. His wife had previously packed all his military clothing. She had to get his clothing out of storage and had time to press only the collar and cuffs of his shirt before he had to appear at the State Capitol. Governor-elect Rockefeller had asked the Officers Association and the Non-Commissioned Officers Association for a list of five officers to be considered as Adjutant General. Col. Wilson's name was on both lists. After all were interviewed, they were asked if they were not selected, who they would recommend. All replied that Col. Wilson would be their choice. The committee was chaired by the late Lieutenant Governor and Medal of Honor recipient Footsie Britt. General Wilson assumed duties as Adjutant General of the State of Arkansas National Guard in January 1967 and served Governor Rockefeller's two terms. He retired from the Military as a Major General and was awarded the Legion of Merit along with numerous awards and decorations for his 43 years of military service. Survivors include his son Col. (Ret.) Charles "Hank" Wilson and wife Lela of Arkadelphia, and his daughter Rosalyn Huddleston and husband Billy of Arkadelphia. Other survivors include four grandchildren; Steve Huddleston and wife Jennifer of Arkadelphia, Carrie Huddleston of Dallas, Texas, Charley Wilson of Austin, Texas and Christy Teague and husband Brian of Fayetteville, Arkansas; a sister-in-law Mrs. Burley Wilson, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be at Roller-Owens Funeral Home Chapel (501-791-7400) 6-8 p.m., Thursday, March 10, 2011. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 11, at Highway Baptist Church, 5845 Roundtop Dr. Sherwood, Ark. 72120. Interment will follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Highway Baptist Church. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.