Submitted by Lauren Barnett, resident
Photos by Madison White Photography
Christopher Wiltse was born on November 24, 1950, into a family with a long and distinguished tradition of military service. His father, Colonel Woodrow Wiltse, served during World War II, landing at Utah Beach shortly after D-Day and participating in five major campaigns before returning home to Michigan. Christopher’s mother, Jeanette Wiltse, also contributed to the war effort by driving military trucks from Detroit assembly plants for distribution.
Military life took the Wiltse family across the United States and overseas. Colonel Wiltse later served as Army Attaché to the United States Embassy in Saigon, Vietnam, from 1958 to 1961, while Mrs. Wiltse served as principal of the American Community School and taught English classes. During their years in Vietnam, the Wiltse family developed a close friendship with the Ong family.
Years later, that friendship became part of the family’s story. Concerned about educational opportunities and the possibility of military conscription, the Wiltse family welcomed Dick Ong to the United States, where he lived with them throughout his junior high and high school years. Christopher and his brother Elliott considered him like a brother, and he became an important part of the family. Dick later graduated from high school alongside the Wiltse brothers, earned a tennis scholarship to San Diego State University, and went on to become a successful businessman.
Christopher’s family tradition of service continued through both sons. His brother Elliott served as a military intelligence officer, linguist, and agent handler.
Christopher graduated from the University of Oklahoma as a Distinguished Military Graduate in 1972 and entered active duty as a Field Artillery officer. During his Army career, he completed numerous military schools and served in leadership positions in the United States and overseas, including command of C Battery, 1st Battalion, 8th Field Artillery, 25th Infantry Division. His military decorations include two Meritorious Service Medals and three Army Commendation Medals.
After retiring from military service as a Captain in July 1980, Christopher moved to Memphis and began a successful career as a financial advisor. He worked with Dean Witter until 2011 and then joined Stephens Inc., where he continues his career today.
Beyond his professional career, Christopher has remained active in service and leadership roles. In 2002, Christopher and his brother Elliott established an ROTC scholarship at the University of Oklahoma in honor of their father, Colonel Woodrow Wiltse. He has also served on the boards of numerous charitable organizations and has been involved with continuing education initiatives at the University of Memphis. Within Southwind, he is currently serving his second term on the HOA Board and has served as liaison to both the tournament and TPC. Christopher was also a founding member of Southwind Golf Club.
Neighbors may also recognize Christopher around the golf course, often driving with a small American flag attached to his cart. For him, it reflects a lifelong appreciation for service to country and the values that shaped both his family and his military career.
Christopher moved to Southwind in 2002. He and Emily were married on June 24, 2012, and will celebrate their 14th anniversary next month. In 2023, they moved to their current home on Island Drive, where they enjoy being part of the Southwind community.
