Charles Frederick Wilkins, III, 59, passed away on Thursday, July 2nd, 2009, in Houston, Texas after a year long battle with cancer. He was born on January 9th, 1950 at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, DC to Joyce Aileen Brown Wilkins and Charles Frederick Wilkins, Jr., M.D.
Charlie graduated from Russellville High School in Russellville, Arkansas in 1967. While at Quachita Baptist University, Charlie was a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Mu Omicron Chapter, was appointed as a 1st Lieutenant in the Cadet Corps, and, in 1971 received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He then served in the U.S. Army for three years during the Vietnam era and achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps before receiving an Honorable Discharge for his service. Returning to school after serving in the military, Charlie graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering in 1976 from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas. Charlie also earned a Juris Doctorate degree from South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas in 1994.
Charlie was employed by the University of Houston, Cullen College of Engineering. He was a member of First Unitarian Universalist Church and enjoyed being in the choir there.
Charlie was preceded in death by both parents and is survived by his wife Gail of Houston, Texas; 2 children: Charles F. Wilkins, IV & wife Cathy of Reston, Virginia and Opal Ransom & husband Chris of San Antonio, Texas; 2 step-sons: Clifford R. Stephenson of Arlington, Texas and Gaetano J. Carbone of Spring, Texas; aunt Wanda Brown of San Antonio, Texas; 4 grandchildren: Charles F. Wilkins, V, Campbell C. Wilkins, Alanna Q. Ransom, R. Joseph Stephenson; 2 sisters: Wanda Heflin & husband Shelby of Russellville, Arkansas and Laura Speers & husband Bill of Russellville, Arkansas; brother Michael Wilkins & wife Teresa of Russellville, Arkansas; Charlie's buddy "Speedy"; and many other relatives and friends.
In keeping with Charlie's wishes, a "Celebration of Life Potluck Dinner" was held on Saturday, August 8th, 2009 at 4:00 P.M. at First Unitarian Universalist Church located at 5200 Fannin (at Southmore Boulevard) Houston, Texas 77004, phone (713) 526-5200. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the First Unitarian Universalist Church or Houston Hospice in Charlie's memory.
Charlie will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
