Charles Allen Wynder, Sr.

Colonel (Ret.) Charles Allen Wynder, Sr.

Colonel (Ret.) Charles Allen Wynder, Sr. was born on May 4, 1941, in Hampton, Virginia, to the late McAllister and Mary Francis Winder. Early in life, he became an active member of Ebenezer Baptist Church on Semple Farm Road in Hampton, later joining St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church. He often spoke of the foundation set by his parents who gave him the ability to pursue liberty, seek and find happiness, while following his moral compass. He graduated from George P. Phenix High School in 1959 and went on to attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1964. While at Florida A&M University (FAMU), he was initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, and was an active member of the Pershing Rifles, Scabbard and Blade, the Army ROTC Rattler Battalion, and Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity.

After graduating from FAMU, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. He served with distinction with over 30 years of active and reserve duty. During his years of service in the Army Reserve, he served his community as a teacher, coach, and administrator within Hampton City Public Schools, where he positively influenced generations of students with inspirational messages and high standards of excellence. After earning a master’s degree from Hampton Institute (now Hampton University), he was appointed Director of Student Activities for Hampton City Schools.

His active-duty assignments included tours in Germany, France, the Military District of Washington, Fort Monroe, and Fort Eustis. His family was recognized as the Army Training and Doctrine Command Family of the Year in 1982 and upon his retirement from active duty in 1995, he was awarded the Legion of Merit in recognition of exceptional achievement and distinguished service. He was extremely proud that three of his children followed in his footsteps and enjoyed highly successful careers in the military.

Charles continued his lifelong commitment to service in retirement as a devoted servant leader within his community. He faithfully served his church as a lay reader and vestryman, mentored elementary, middle, and high school students; and contributed to the Boy Scouts of America as a Boy Scout Troop Leader and Scout District Council Chairman. His extensive volunteer work also included service with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (Colonial CASA).

Charles’ dedication to veterans was equally profound. He served as the Disabled American Veterans Representative for thirteen Tidewater Virginia veteran chapters. In recognition of his inspiring spirit, he received the Veterans Golden Age Games “George Gangi Inspired Award” for his exceptional sportsmanship, determination, and encouragement of fellow veterans. He was subsequently inducted into the National Veterans Golden Age Games Hall of Fame, ultimately earning an impressive 32 gold medals.

Throughout his life, Charles received numerous honors and awards, including the George P. Phenix High School Distinguished Alumni Award, the Sons of the American Revolution National Society Good Citizens Award, and, in 2021, the Florida A&M University National Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award for his unwavering commitment to serving others. A dedicated Rattler and Life Member of the Florida A&M University National Alumni Association, he was the founder and past president of the Tidewater Chapter.

Charles proudly served as a Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated for 64 years. A highly respected Omega man, he was well known throughout the Fraternity at the national, district, and local levels for his distinguished service. He was the Organizational Founder of the Zeta Mu Mu Chapter, serving two terms as Basileus. Charles lived life to the fullest and enjoyed the great outdoors. His most frequent leisure activities included biking, kayaking, gardening, playing golf, bowling, playing tennis and pickleball. He and his late wife, Carol enjoyed traveling around the world together, camping, lawn bowling and volunteering in the community. Charles lived a life defined by service, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to lifting others as he ascended.

Colonel (Ret.) Charles Allen Wynder, Sr. passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, April 13, 2026. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol Ann Wynder, his former spouse, Carrie Broxton Horne, brother, Cleveland Wynder, and sister, Laura Wynder Howell.

He is survived by his children: Reverend Charles Wynder, Jr. (Bethany), Captain (Ret.) Carrissa Nandlal (Ram), Colonel (Ret.) Christopher Wynder (Rhonda), Gary Romer (Raye), and Todd Romer (Carrie); his siblings: Celestine Carter, Lois Palmer (Leon), and McAllister Wynder, Jr.; grandchildren: Angelina Power (Brendan), Ariana Konga (Glodi), Tatiana Wynder-Kratzer (Mitchell), Alvaro Sanchez (Carlee), Taeisha Wynder (Darien), Amadio Sanchez, Peyton Hood, Teliyah Wynder, Brayden Romer, Tamaryn Wynder, Tarrissa Wynder, Charles A. Wynder, III (Chase), Claire Romer, Ty Romer, Ellie Romer, Berkeley Romer, and Duke Romer; great-grandchildren: Zebediah Konga, Thorin Wynder-Kratzer, Pierce Power, Denver Williams; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Visitation with the family will be on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 171 Semple Farm Rd in Hampton at 7:00 pm. A Celebration of Life Service will be on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church, located at 1242 West Queen St in Hampton at 11:00 am. An Omega service will be held prior to the celebration of life at 9:00 am. 

Arrangements are by Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions in Hampton, (757) 825-8070.