What others are saying about a great Texas Democratic leader

"Charlie Wilson was a bigger than life Texan who played a key role in bringing down the former Soviet Union, and it was a privilege for me to know and work with him." — Congressman Chet Edwards (D–Waco)

“Charlie was an extraordinary public servant … Tom Hanks underplayed him in the movie. Charlie was actually far more colorful than that…. There will be no more Charlie Wilsons."  — Former Congressman Martin Frost

"I never saw anybody who had a greater attachment to the people here in East Texas as Charlie did." — longtime friend and former State Senator, Buddy Temple

"Charlie was perfect as a congressman, perfect as a state representative, perfect as a state senator. He was a perfect reflection of the people he represented." — Charles Schnabel Jr., seven-year Chief of Staff for Wilson’s Washington office

“One brave and determined person can alter the course of history.  His efforts and exploits helped repel an invader, liberate a people, and bring the Cold War to a close… Charlie kept fighting for the Afghan people and warned against abandoning that traumatized country to its fate -- a warning we should have heeded then, and should remember today," — Defense Secretary Robert Gates

"It is the rare congressman who by dint of personality, persistence and country smarts did something that literally altered history on the global stage. What Charlie Wilson did in Afghanistan changed the course of world events. Charlie Wilson was all Texan and all American.  He dreamed big, lived large.” — Newscaster Dan Rather

My friend Charlie Wilson was bigger than life, brought joy to all those who knew him, and was the kind of steadfastly loyal friend you'd want in a fight. He cared deeply about passing freedom down to the next generation and was a true public servant in the military and in Congress. Charlie helped move our state and our country forward. We lost a true Texan today. — Bill White, Former Houston Mayor

"Charlie Wilson led a life that was oversized even by Hollywood's standards. Congressman Wilson was fiercely devoted to serving his country and his fellow Texans." — Gov. Rick Perry (R–Texas)

“For the rest of the world, he is the tall man on the big screen, portrayed by Tom Hanks as ‘Good Time Charlie,' the congressman from East Texas who helped run the Red Army out of Afghanistan.  For us, he's the guy we run into at the grocery store, the coffee shop or café, our good friend Charlie.” — Lufkin Daily News Editor and Publisher, Joe Murray

"He was one of those that was a true patriot. When he retired, he helped me in the election to take over his seat." — Former Congressman Jim Turner, Charlie Wilson’s 2nd District successor

"Charlie Wilson was one of a kind, loved by all who knew him, and he will be missed as one of our most distinguished and colorful leaders. he was a giant, not just in stature but in his love for America and especially America's men and women in uniform. He was a dynamic presence in Congress and on the national stage. — U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, (R–Texas)

"He was my friend. Whenever I went to Texas, he always helped me.” — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D–Nevada)

"Many Texans like to think of themselves as larger than life, and Charlie Wilson truly was. … Whether he was standing up for Texans here at home or those serving in the far corners of the globe, he was a great asset to our state and nation and he will be missed." — Texas Democratic Party Chairman Boyd Richie

"Charlie Wilson was a student of Winston Churchill. The work he did to defeat communism and change the course of world events was without question Churchillian." - Longtime friend and Texas business leader Don Montgomery

Congressman Wilson is survived by his wife Barbara, his sister and brother-in-law, and niece and nephew.