Charles Spurgeon Wingo, MD's Obituary
Charles Spurgeon Wingo, MD, passed away on September 25, 2023, in Gainesville, Florida. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather as well as a cherished friend, caring physician, respected professor, and renowned researcher.
Dr. Wingo was born in Ruston, Louisiana on October 5, 1949, to Dr. Spurgeon Wingo and Mildred Colvin Wingo. He grew up in Louisiana, where he learned the art of storytelling and a love of science from his parents.
He attended Stanford University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Physical Chemistry. At Stanford he met his future wife, Barbara Gray, connecting with her through their shared love of music, literature, and intellectual curiosity. They were married at Stanford Memorial Church in 1971.
Dr. Wingo moved back to Louisiana to attend Louisiana State University Medical School in New Orleans where he and Barbara enjoyed the city’s rich cuisine, diverse musical traditions, and unique history. After graduating from medical school in 1975, Dr. Wingo completed internship and residency at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston and nephrology and research fellowships at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. In 1981, Dr. Wingo and his family moved to Gainesville when he joined the faculty of University of Florida College of Medicine.
As an active researcher for 42 years, his laboratory made important discoveries about human physiology and changed medicine’s understanding of how the kidney works. In addition to research, he was a skilled physician who practiced at the University of Florida and the Veterans Affairs Hospital where he enjoyed training medical students, residents, and fellows. He was also especially proud of mentoring many graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and junior faculty members in conducting scientific research.
In addition to a full professional life, Dr. Wingo was a loving and thoughtful husband and dedicated father, and later, affectionate grandfather. He valued his time with his family and creating special memories together.
Dr. Wingo traveled widely with his family visiting countries across the world as well as enjoying numerous road trips throughout the U.S. His family remembers him as a wonderful travel companion because he was gastronomically adventurous, eager to try new experiences, and outgoing and engaging with the locals (whether he knew the language or not). His friends, colleagues, and even new acquaintances were struck by his engaging conversation, broad knowledge, and interest in others.
Dr. Wingo is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Barbara, sister Virginia (Ginny-Pat), children Thomas and Linnea, and grandchildren Isaac and Lucia.
A Celebration of Life will be held on November 11, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Holy Trinity Episcopoal Church, 100 NE 1st Street, Gainesville, FL 32601. A reception will be held after the Celebration of Life ceremony at 3 pm at Shula’s Private Dining Room inside the Hilton UF Conference Center. 1714 SW 34th Street Gainesville, FL 32607 (on the corner of 34th St and Hull Rd)
In lieu of flowers, the Wingo family suggests friends remember him by spreading an act of kindness or, if they felt so inclined, making a donation to charities and organizations important to Dr. Wingo, such as the American Physiological Society, Doctors Without Borders, Feed the Children, and Norman Studios.
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