Charles P. Willson

Charles Chuck Willson died on July 5, 2015, in Portland, Maine, at the age of 75. He was born in Traverse City, Michigan, April 10, 1940, to Paul and Pauline Willson. He attended secondary school in Sault Saint Marie, Michigan, and graduated from Central Michigan University in 1962 with a major in accounting, and a trophy as campus-wide ping-pong champion. Looking for a challenge, Chuck was influenced by President Kennedys quote, Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. He served with the Peace Corps Group (VI) in Columbia, South America, from 1963 to 1965, developing local consumer co-ops and credit unions. He helped the local population build a one-room adobe building, which included making the bricks by hand, and most importantly, taught the officers how to keep good accounts. While there, he made life-time friendships. Chuck also met and married Almira Myra Cram, another Peace Corp volunteer. They recently celebrated 49 years of marriage. Additionally, his Michigan National Guard unit was called up to serve in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. The Willsons resided in the Midwest, Maine, and, for the last few years, in Charleston, SC. He worked in accounting and business management. Chuck will be remembered for his sense of humor, his warm, friendly personality and his devoted support of all levels of hockey both in Maine and South Carolina. Retiring early because of health issues, he appreciated the warm beaches of Costa Rica and traveling to visit many friends and family. Chuck became a devoted Roman Catholic several years ago and was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Charleston, SC. Attending Mass several times a week and fellowshipping with other parishioners has been a great comfort for him. He is survived by his wife Myra; children, Libby Willson Farrelly and husband, Ian, of Chattanooga, TN; Paul John Willson and his wife, Wendy Cunningham Willson; and their children Alexander and Spencer, of Summerville, SC. Chuck was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Pauline Willson; and a brother, Douglas Willson. A prayer service will be held on Friday, July 10 at Holy Martyrs Roman Catholic Church, 266 Foreside Road in Falmouth at 2:00 p.m. with reception to follow in the church hall. A Funeral Mass will be held in his home church at a later date in Charleston, SC. To view Chucks memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ctcrawford.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Conroy-Tully Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Kidney Foundation, The American Heart Association, St. Vincent de Paul Society, or The Maine Audubon Society, 20 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth, ME 04105.