Charles Wyly Watson passed away peacefully at his home in Charleston, SC, surrounded by his family, on October 1, 2026. “Eighty-nine is a pretty good run,” he would have said, with his signature dry humor.

Wyly was born on the island of Oahu on December 2, 1936. His father was a principal and his mother a teacher, which led to his love of education. Just shy of his fifth birthday, Wyly vividly remembered watching Japanese aircraft fly over his home, strafing Bellows Field as part of the coordinated attack on Pearl Harbor, bringing the United States into World War II. It was a consequential event for the country and for Wyly personally, as military service and history would come to define much of his life.

After graduating from the Punahou School in Honolulu, he attended The Citadel in Charleston, where he distinguished himself academically and in marksmanship. He competed in the prestigious National Matches for marksmanship at Camp Perry, Ohio, where he was awarded the President’s 100 Tab for scoring in the top 100 competitors. It was also while attending The Citadel that he met the love of his life, Helen Linton.

Wyly graduated from The Citadel in 1958 and sought a commission in the United States Army, choosing the Intelligence Corps. He and Helen were married on August 5, 1961, and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year. Helen followed him to duty stations in California, New York, Maryland, and Germany, where they served two tours. Wyly also served two tours in Vietnam as an Intelligence Officer with the Fourth Infantry Division and was a decorated Army officer, receiving many awards, including the Bronze Star for meritorious service in Vietnam. While serving in Vietnam, he also took a special interest in a local orphanage, visiting the children and helping to provide much-needed supplies for them.

Wyly spent several years at the POW/MIA office at the Pentagon, where he assisted in efforts to locate missing U.S. servicemen and women. His final tour was in Munich, Germany, where he served in the 66th Military Intelligence Brigade, whose core mission was to provide counterintelligence and intelligence support for the U.S. Army during the Cold War.

During their postings in Germany, the Watsons took their daughters throughout Europe, exposing them to all the continent had to offer, from cathedrals and castles to museums and music. Those travels became cherished family memories.

After retiring from the Army, the family returned to Charleston, where Wyly taught history at Fort Johnson High School later known as James Island High School. He relished his time with his students and used creative methods to spark their interest in history and encourage class participation. Those who performed well or asked particularly good questions were rewarded with a coveted “Star-Spangled Pencil.” He also established an academic team at the school that still competes today.

Later, he was a professor of history at the College of Charleston and Trident Technical College. He was deeply engaged in the Charleston community, serving as the president of the Preservation Society, as a Charleston County School Board member, acting as a guardian ad litem, mentoring young people, and supporting the arts. Wyly’s civic-mindedness led to numerous witty and acerbic letters to the editor, which were frequently published in the Post and Courier. He and Helen were regular congregants at First Scots Presbyterian Church.

Wyly loved his country, the military, and history and was a voracious reader on a variety of topics. He was especially fascinated by American history, the Constitution, and both World Wars. Above all, Wyly was devoted to Helen, his family, friends and a host of beloved pets. His marriage to Helen was marked by an enduring love, loyalty, and partnership that lasted 65 years. As a husband, father, son, and friend, he brought the same integrity and steadfastness that defined every part of his life, along with a rapier wit that kept everyone laughing. He was also a keen card player, and some of his family’s happiest memories were made around the table, where games could become spirited competitions filled with laughter, good-natured teasing, and the occasional threat of bodily harm, jokingly, of course.

Wyly is survived by his beloved wife, Helen; his daughters, Helen “Hallie” Watson and Beth Walker; his son-in-law, Dan Walker; his grandson, Wyly Walker, and his wife, Ashlie; and his great-grandson, Henry Wyly Walker. He was preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Katherine “Katesy” Watson.

It is impossible to sum up 89 years of a life so full of service, selflessness, achievement, and love. Wyly’s life was defined by his service to his country, his devotion to his family, his integrity and loyalty, his passion for history, and his wonderfully dry sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A service will be held at First Scots Presbyterian Church on Meeting Street in Charleston, SC in late October, details to follow shortly.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Wyly's memory can be made to the Katherine Adele Dunn Watson Scholarship at Ashley Hall School which Wyly established to honor his mother. This scholarship is specifically awarded to a promising student of good character who demonstrates financial need.