Charles Curtis Wilford

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we remember Charles Wilford, a gifted musician, devoted family man, and proud patriot, who passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2025, at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center, at the age of 78.

Born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Charles was the beloved son of the late Alvin and Mary Kay (Chilton) Wilford.  He had the rare and remarkable ability to play virtually any instrument placed in his hands. He especially cherished the deep, steady voice of his bass guitar and the expressive range of the piano, delighting in how individual sounds could come together to create something entirely new and beautiful.

Charles was an avid Chess player!  A true creative spirit, Charles was also a songwriter and a proud member of his band, ITZ (In The Zone). Whether performing on stage or playing informally among friends, he had a gift for filling every room with music, laughter, and life. His joy was contagious, his rhythm undeniable, and his presence unforgettable.  Charles also carried a deep sense of duty and honor. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict, a chapter of his life marked by courage, sacrifice, and service—values he carried with him always.  He was awarded the Bronze Star with V Device for his Valor, given from the President, for the courage, wisdom and sacrifice he made for his combat unit. His return home brought new chapters into his life, spending time as a paralegal before operating Wilford Electronics, even teaching his wife to repair televisions!

Charles was preceded in death by his beloved son, Charlemagne Bibb; his brother, William Larkin; and his sister, Paula Larkin.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife and devoted companion of 31 years, Sylvia Wilford; his daughters, Deja Yelverton (Darryl Powell) & Shrita Warren; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom he adored deeply. To them, Charles was more than a musician—he was a steady presence, a source of wisdom, and a wellspring of love.

A service to celebrate Charles’s life will be held at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Scott Funeral Home, 2515 Veterans Parkway, Jeffersonville. Burial will follow 2:30 PM at VA Cemetery Central in Radcliffe, Kentucky, where military honors will be presented in tribute to his service. Friends may visit from 10:00 AM until service time on Wednesday at the funeral home.

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