SSgt Christopher Wilson, USMC
October 29, 1987 – April 3, 2019
Christopher Wilson departed this life on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 in Roanoke, Virginia. He was born on October 29th, 1987 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He was raised in Danville, Virginia by the late May Sue Cole – Carter. At the age of 12, Chris gave his life to Christ and joined New Design Baptist Church. After graduating from Tunstall High School, Chris, at the age of 17, made the decision to enlist in the USMC where he served and fought for his country. His service included three deployments (Iraq and Afghanistan). Chris received many awards, different recognitions, and had an honorable discharge as a sergeant. “Oorah”.
During his 31 years on earth he touched a lot of people’s lives. He loved playing basketball and actually coached a kid’s team. He played in the tournaments and was the 2017 shootout winner. Chris was very lovable and love to laugh and have fun. He was that guy that would give you the shirt off his back if he had to. “Semper Fi” Marine.
Those left to cherish his memory are Joe and Mary Carter (who helped raise him), Jonathan Carter, (who grew up with him, who Chris looked up to; they were more like brothers than cousins), one sister, Tiffany Wilson, and one nephew, Zakai Wilson. Also, his soulmate and best friend, Kathy King, who is carrying on his legacy, their unborn son – who will be a part of Chris here for us to cherish and watch him grow up. Two special cousins Ti’Yanna and Amiyah Carter, and a host of other relatives miss him. He was predeceased by his grandmother Ruth Cole’s Wilson.
Lovingly and in our hearts, The family.
From his soul mate and best friend:
“There are a lot of things I regret in life but loving Chris is not one of them. He did not deserve to die because of his mental health issues. I did not deserve to lose him simply because I loved him or ‘knew what I signed up for.’ You stay and help show them their worth.
He was very open with me about his battle with PTSD and depression in our first conversation. I accepted it. He wasn’t used to that. He was used to women using him or not being able to handle him. We all have our limits, which I understand. We weren’t even supposed to be together. We were supposed to be just friends. Neither of us could deny our connection.
We made it work despite him living 1 ½ hours away. We would take turns seeing each other. He tried several times to push me away and run from my love, but I stayed. I also tried to push him away a couple times. Both of us never wanted to leave, we were just scared. He had a hard time becoming attached to people because he said people always leave, either through death or voluntarily. He was independent, stubborn, and prideful. But he let his guard down for me by allowing me to show him the love he deserved.
I thought my love would be enough to save him. I really did. He told me I gave him a reason to live, but he still talked about death a lot. I repeatedly experienced the PTSD in full force. I never once thought, “I’ve had enough.” We were having a baby, and I thought maybe that would be his new purpose. Maybe after our child was born, we would have a new perspective. The truth is, people with mental illness deserve the same kind of love as those without, if not MORE love. It takes patience, tolerance, and commitment to share a life together. It takes dedication. You never know what demons someone faces, so be kind. And please don’t judge. Always tell them you love them, because more often than not, they are struggling with loving themselves.
For my veterans, combat veterans especially, PLEASE seek help. You are not weak for doing so. You are no less of a man / woman for admitting you can’t do it alone. We all need each other.” shared by Kathy
Chris moved to Virginia with his great aunt, Mae Sue, when he was two months old. He loved her with all his heart and called her ‘Ma’. He was proud to call Danville, VA home. He loved being a Marine, loved playing basketball, and was also a 6 degree blackbelt.
Final rest: New Design Baptist Church, Axton, VA
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