Christopher Hughes Wilson

Christopher (Chris) Hughes Wilson, age 66 of Swannanoa, NC (formerly of Chapel Hill, NC) passed away peacefully at home on April 9, 2021 in the care of his loving wife of 42 years, Barbara G. Wilson, three children, and two grandchildren.  Born in Rochester, MN, and raised in Sarasota, FL, Chris was the son of Dr. Leo H. Wilson, Jr. (deceased) and Colleen Y. Wilson.  He graduated from Riverview High School (1972) and received his undergraduate degree from Duke University (A.B., 1976).  Chris completed his graduate education at the Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University (M.S., 1978) and The University of Florida College of Law (J.D., 1985). Chris practiced law with expertise in computer software and hardware transactions.

Chris is survived by his three children, Jessica C. Wilson (Dr. Benjamin Lampson) of Boston, MA, Dr. Elizabeth A. Wilson of Boston, MA, and Matthew C. Wilson (Alyson H. Wilson) of Mebane, NC, two grandchildren, Annabelle Lampson and Luke Wilson, and three step-grandchildren, Andrew Gooch, McKenzie Gooch, and Jayden Batten.  Chris has three brothers, Jeffery S. Wilson (Ann Wilson) of Crossville, TN, Thomas M. Wilson (Stephanie Wilson) of San Luis Obispo, CA, and Edward C. Wilson (Rebecca Wilson) of Sarasota, FL. Chris is survived by his Aunt Bette Jane Wilson Des Champs and his Uncle English Deschamps of Bradenton, FL, along with many loving and talented nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Chris loved camping with his family in The Smoky Mountains and fulfilled his lifelong dream of retiring to these mountains in 2015.  He especially loved “riding the ridge” along the Blue Ridge Parkway, enjoying the color and splendor of the NC mountains.  An avid student and player of jazz guitar, Chris published a jazz guitar performance book in 1980 titled, “Scales and Chords for Jazz Rock Guitar.”  It is Chris’ wish that his extensive library of jazz books and recordings be donated to North Carolina universities offering jazz education.  Chris and his wife, Barbara, passionately followed the Duke University Blue Devil men’s basketball program and attended the 2010 Duke ACC Championship in Greensboro, NC.

A Day of Celebration of Chris’ life will be conducted this summer.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Chris’ name to The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation: www.brpfoundation.org.

Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Wilson family with arrangements.

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