CHARLES DUANE WILSON  (March 16, 1945 – August 20, 2025)

Charles Duane Wilson began his 80 years’ life journey in Buckroe Beach, Hampton, Virginia. His journey ended August 20, 2025 at the family farm (Common Wealth Farm) in Unity, Maine. His parents, Charles Edward Wilson and Florence Irene Williams Wilson, moved the family to Greensboro, NC, where Charles graduated from Page High School. As a youth in Greensboro, among other activities, he was active as a Boy Scout, high school football player, coliseum usher, and a surveyor. This last job propelled him toward his career as an engineer. He received dual Bachelor of Science degrees in 1968 in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida. He immediately went to work for Newport News (VA) Shipbuilding and Drydock as a design engineer working on nuclear-powered submarines that included going on sea trials. At that time, he married his college sweetheart, Jacqueline Johnston.

For the next 25 years, Chuck, as his co-workers knew him, dedicated his career to working on jet engine turbines at Pratt & Whitney facilities in W. Palm Beach, Florida, and N. Berwick, Maine. He moved the family to Kennebunk, Maine, in 1999, to work at the N. Berwick plant.  After his early retirement in 2008, the family, including sons Timothy and Ryan, started a farm in Unity, Maine, with the intent of making it a family pastured-poultry business. The business prospered and was well-received in the Mid-coast Maine area. While Charles and Jackie participated in all parts of the business, their favorite part was working at farmers’ markets, enjoying getting to know their customers. Finally, after 14 years of raising and processing high-quality poultry, it was time to retire.

Charles’ interests spanned everything from coaching his sons’ soccer teams and participating in their scout activities to dabbling in furniture making. He was so knowledgeable in so many areas and a fixer of so many things. Charles enjoyed traveling, camping, and exploring new areas. He was the better cook in the home kitchen and enjoyed making his signature foods.

He was predeceased by his sister, Irene Kirby. He leaves behind his wife, Jackie, sons Timothy, Unity, Maine, and Ryan, Whitefield, Maine, grandchildren Tori Wilson, and Manuel and Emilio Gonzales Wilson, his brother Richard Wilson and wife Becky, Cornelius, NC, and nieces and nephews and their families.

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family on his tribute wall. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Waldo County Bounty, https://waldocountybounty.org/donate, or to your favorite charity.

A celebration of life will be held in Unity on Sunday, October 5, 2025, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Please contact family for details.