Inducted on November 9, 2000
Charles E. Wilson, Sr. MD, was born on April 24, 1926. He was raised in Crisfield, Md., and went on to pursue his bachelor’s degree at Hampton University in Virginia. His college studies were interrupted for two years as he served honorably in the United States Army. After graduating from Hampton University in 1949, Dr. Wilson spent several years traveling the United States as a salesperson for Pepsi Cola. Dr. Wilson and his team of salesmen were recently featured in the Washington Post for their marketing savvy, bringing Pepsi to the minority market. In the early 1950s, Dr. Wilson moved to Switzerland to pursue his medical degree from the University of Geneva. While there, he married Mary Helen Shelton, and began his family with the birth of his daughter Medina. During his years in Switzerland, Dr. Wilson also served as a lecturer for the United Nation’s pro-
gram promoting the peaceful use of the atom. In 1957, Dr. Wilson moved to Atlantic City, NJ, to complete his residency. Shortly thereafter, he completed his immediate family with the birth of his two sons, Charles Jr. and Jeffrey. In 1958, Dr. Wilson opened his private practice in Atlantic City. Dr. Wilson is co-founder of and seved as the Medical Director of the Institute for Human Development (NARCO), a facility dedicated to those burdened with the addiction of drug abuse. In 1972, he served under President Nixon as a “general” in the war against drugs. Dr. Wilson headed a team of professionals traveling the United States establishing substance rehabilitation centers for our men and women returning from Vietnam addicted to drugs. Dr. Wilson has served as freeholder at large for Atlantic City and a member of the Atlantic City Board of Education. He was Fire Surgeon for the City of Atlantic City and Medical Director for the Atlantic County Municipal Utilities Authority. He is a member of numerous medical societies and is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Dr. Wilson received the award for Outstanding Alumni from Hampton University and served on its Board of Trustees for many years. Dr. Wilson is now retired, yet continues his ringside physician duties through the New Jersey Athletic Commission. He is most thankful for his family, Mary, Medina, Chuck, Jeff, Geoff, Justin, Emily, Julia, Dennis and Ollie.