Charlie Wilson, founder of longtime Louisville appliance store, dies at 96

Charlie Wilson, known throughout Louisville for his family-owned appliance store and it's catchy jingle, died Tuesday, his son said.

Wilson died at a senior living community in Georgetown, Indiana due to his age and a swallowing issue, according to David Wilson, his son and the president of the store. He was 96.

Charlie Wilson was "very optimistic; and a very good listener; and a very good engager of conversation; and just somebody that you are thankful to have as your dad; and fair, respectable, reliable," his son said.

More about the storeCharlie Wilson's appliances leaving downtown

Wilson, who was born in Kentucky's Muhlenberg County, dropped out of high school to serve in World War II as an ambulance driver. When he returned to Kentucky after the war, he went to college after a pastor convinced a school official to enroll him by citing his service to the country, his son said. He then worked many sales jobs before opening his first appliance store in 1953 at Preston and Eastern Parkway.

The store eventually had a location downtown, which was open from 1972 to 2016. The store became famous for its commercial jingle, "Charlie Wilson's Dixie Appliance."

There's currently a Charlie Wilson's location in Clarksville, Indiana that sells televisions, mattresses and appliances. It has always been a family business, and his children now run the company.

Kentucky poet laureate passes awayFormer Kentucky poet laureate Fredrick Smock dies at 68

David Wilson, who has been the president since 1980, said many people still come up to him and share their experiences with his father and going into the store. He said that when his dad was selling a product, he would create a relationship with the person.

"He would and he's trained us to engage with customers and he would learn a lot about that person ... their interests, their hobbies ... So it was it was more of a relationship than just a flat purchase," his son said.

Wilson leaves behind his three children, seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. His wife passed away in 2015.

Louisville heart surgeon diesPioneer Louisville heart surgeon Allan Lansing dies at age 92

Reach Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez at abrinez@gannett.com; follow her on Twitter at @SoyAnaAlvarez

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Founder of Louisville retailer Charlie Wilson's Appliance dies