Wilson, Charles Gene
Charles Gene Wilson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2022, at the age of 80.
Known by family and friends as Gene, he was born in Pennsville, OH, and attended Berea High School, Baldwin Wallace College, Ohio University, Ball State University, and The Ohio State University, where he worked on his PhD. Married for 56 years to his wife Jean, with whom he had two daughters, Gene lived a life of love, leadership, generosity, and service.
In 1973, Gene moved his young family to Frederick, MD, beginning a 27-year tenure teaching physical education and coaching in Frederick County schools (Yellow Springs, New Midway, Woodsboro, Waverly, Urbanna, and Myersville ES; Thurmont and West Frederick MS; and Middletown HS). During his career, he also traveled nationally and internationally to encourage youth sports, including as a UNESCO presenter. Gene, an NCAA Master Track and Field Official, had a passion for the Olympics. He served for over a decade as a member of the U.S. Olympic Academy’s Education Council and as a Master Official at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta with his wife. Former Frederick County teachers and students may also remember him as the organizer of the county-wide Ancient and Modern Olympic Field Days.
Gene was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, serving as a men’s group leader, a choir member, and a supporter of local and regional philanthropic activities in several MD and VA congregations. Following his retirement in 1997, Gene owned and operated Apollo Transportation, Inc., an airport transportation company that served the Fort Detrick community. Later in life, Gene moved to Virginia to be closer to his daughters and grandsons.
Survived by his wife Jean, daughters Wendy Grimshaw (James) and Kristi Wilson, and grandsons Joshua and James Grimshaw, Gene possessed a humble and generous spirit that will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him. Donations in Gene’s memory can be made to Brook Hill United Methodist Church (8946 Indian Springs Rd, Frederick, MD 21702, https://pushpay.com/g/bhumcfrederick).
