The man that he was

A good friend of mine passed away recently. I first met him when I started teaching and coaching with him in 1971. He became my mentor unbeknownst to him. He was firm, fair and consistent as a teacher and a coach. He took great pride in enhancing the knowledge of kids, both academically and athletically. Students respected him because of his hard work and dedication.

We worked together for three years in the early ’70s. We stayed in touch and started working together again in 1977. Nothing about him had changed. He was still the same great guy, teaching and coaching the students that, with desire, dedication and determination, could reach their goals. They believed in what he was doing and enjoyed the hard work it took to compete on game nights.

His students were just as appreciative of his work in the classroom. He used the classroom and athletics to teach life lessons. Without a lot of rules, he was able to motivate students to do things the right way. I believe he lived his life that way and I know he taught kids to behave that way. He was a man of principle and coached that way all of his career. There was a time he could have won a state championship. All he would have had to do was throw away his principles. He was that kind of man.

He loved his wife and sons and always beamed with pride when he talked of them. He had a wonderful sense of humor and the greatest laugh in the world. Our two families spent a lot of time together during the seasons. As close as he kept his personal life “to the vest,” he would rather slip away without fanfare, but I know there are hundreds of young people from Ramey Junior High, Fayetteville High, Mills and North Pulaski who loved him for being in their lives. I know I loved Charles Newell Wilson for the man that he was. GARY PARSON

Maumelle