Charles Raymond Wilson

Charles Raymond Wilson, 96, died peacefully at his home in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Charles was born November 19, 1929, in Vivian, Louisiana, to Elsworth Wilson and Katie Eckert Wilson. From an early age he was known for his kindness, intelligence, and easy ability to make friends wherever he went—qualities that stayed with him throughout his life.

While attending Louisiana State University, Charles met the love of his life, Bettye Harrell, on a blind date. The two married on February 5, 1953, beginning a remarkable 73-year marriage filled with devotion, laughter, and partnership. During his time at LSU, Charles was a proud member of the Golden Band from Tiger Land, where he played the baritone and developed a lifelong love for LSU football.

After earning his first degree in Chemistry from LSU, Charles chose to join the United States Army and began basic training at Fort Chaffee in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was later transferred to Fort Sill, Lawton Oklahoma, where he was in artillery school and later was selected for Officer Candidate School. Charles and Bettye were then stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, where he trained and instructed new incoming recruits. After completing his military service, the couple returned to LSU, where Charles earned a second Bachelor of Science degree in Physics.

Charles later began his career with United Gas, which became Pennzoil Laboratories in Shreveport. During his years there he contributed to the development of numerous products for the Pennzoil retail marketing program and built a respected career in scientific research.

Charles and Bettye loved traveling with friends and sharing life’s adventures together. When Bettye began her career with Mary Kay Cosmetics, Charles was always her biggest supporter and encourager.

He faithfully attended church throughout his life, where he sang in the choir and taught Sunday School for many years. His faith was not only something he believed but something he lived daily through kindness, humility, and encouragement to others.

In retirement, Charles remained active and engaged with the community. He gave speaking engagements focused on positivity, success, and personal growth, and he volunteered at the Caddo Correctional Institution, where he spoke to inmates preparing to transition back into the workforce, encouraging them to believe in themselves and build better futures.

More than anything, Charles loved his family. He treasured time at the beach with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed country music, playing tennis

and golf, performing magic tricks for his grandchildren, cheering on LSU football, and savoring Blue Bell ice cream and everything Bettye cooked for him. He had a special gift with babies and could calm a crying grandchild in less than a minute.

Charles was known by everyone who met him as kind, humble, gracious, patient, and deeply loving. He always had a sweet encouraging word or compliment to share and truly believed in seeing the good in others. His warmth, humor, and gentle spirit made him someone people were naturally drawn to, and he could make a friend anywhere he went.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Bettye Harrell Wilson; his children Renee Robison (Terry), Steve Wilson (Harriett), and Penny Wilson Bennett; his grandchildren Amanda, Rachael (Andrew), Matthew, Meredith (Zach), Hannah (DC), and Jack (partner Amy); and his eight great-grandchildren Maddie, Cadence, Skylar, Wyatt, Bryce, Luke, Evelyn, and Norah.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elsworth and Katie Wilson; his brothers Glen and David Wilson; and his son-in-law, Reece Bennett

Charles will be remembered for the love he gave so freely, the encouragement he offered to everyone he met, and the joyful spirit he brought into every room. His strong faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ, was the foundation of his life and the guiding light behind the kindness, grace, and hope he shared with others.

His family takes comfort knowing that the same faith that sustained him throughout his life now welcomes him home.

The family requests expressions of sympathy be made to Christ United Methodist Church 1204 Crabapple Drive Shreveport, LA 71118, or a Veterans Chairty of choice in Charles name.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:00 am at Christ United Methodist Church in Shreveport. A lunch reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.

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