Charles Dean Wilson lived a full life in Christ before passing away on June 25, 2026. His life and legacy live on through Mary Ann Wilson, his wife of 62 years, Lisa (Terry) Ghee of St. Leonard, MD, Jon (Beth) Wilson of Bowie, MD, Cynthia Mudd of Chestertown, MD, and his eight grandchildren: Matthew Wilson, Maureen Ghee, Hannah Wilson, Lydia Mudd, Aidan Ghee, Andrew Wilson, Jacob Mudd, and Daniel Wilson.

Born on December 27, 1934, Charles Dean was the only child of Orace Wilson and Addie (Johnson) Wilson. He grew up in rural Northeast Arkansas and in St. Louis. His world was always filled with music which included a long line of church song leaders. During the 1940s, his parents, and other relatives often sang on local radio as The Wilson Family Singers.

After graduating from Biggers High School, he attended one year at Harding University, then the medical lab school in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He was drafted by the Army and sent to the pathology lab at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C. He finished serving his two years on a Friday, then started his 38-year civilian career in the same lab the next Monday.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in International Affairs at Georgetown University while working full time at Walter Reed. He attended the 16th & Decatur Street Church of Christ and was very active in the church’ s young people’s group and chorus. During this time, he met then married Mary Ann White in 1964.

They moved to Bowie, Maryland, in 1965 and began attending the Bowie Church of Christ in 1968. He was always active in church, becoming first a deacon, then an elder. He led singing for more than 30 years and taught many Bible classes. He was involved in area-wide church leaders collaborative fellowship and regularly led devotional services in local nursing homes.

His passions were wide ranging. He loved Bible study and learning about God’ s loving relationship with us. He was particularly enthusiastic about congregational singing. He played various musical instruments by ear and thoroughly enjoyed caring for his lawn and flower garden, turning lights out, and drinking coffee.

By the way, has anyone seen his coffee cup?

Funeral services will be held on July 11, 2026 in Bowie, Maryland at Robert Evans Funeral Home. 

Final Interment will take place at the Corning Cemetery on July 22, 2026 at 11:00 AM