Charles Louis Williams

Charles Louis Williams, 53, of Austin, Texas passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2016. Loving son of Nancy Best and Thomas Williams, Chuck was born at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, Indiana and grew up in Austin, Texas where he attended Anderson High School. Upon receiving a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 1984, Chuck began a 30 year career with GE. He earned a Masters of Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati in 1988 and an MBA from the University of New Mexico in 1996. During his years at GE he worked on aircraft engine issues and secured several U.S. patents. He was also awarded a Certificate of Registration as a Professional Engineer from the State of Ohio in 1990. He finished his career with GE as a General Manager in GE Aviation.

Chuck met the love of his life, Sylvia, in New Mexico and they enjoyed GE assignments in Cincinnati, Ohio; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Durham, North Carolina.

Chuck cherished his children, family and friends, many from his childhood in Austin, and his UT Longhorns. He devoted his personal life to all of the events that were important to his children. Two years ago, he attained one of his lifetime dreams…to return to Austin, Texas and live near Lake Travis with his family. He also switched career gears and became an entrepreneur – never fearing failure.

Chuck had a love of life, innovation, and adventure. His travels took him around the world several times and as a result he became one of Delta's distinguished Million Mile Medallion members. Whether it was motorcycles, jet engines, or family cars, his motto was to "never leave horsepower on the lot" – a philosophy that he incorporated in everything he did. His excitement for life and passion for his family were always intertwined.

Chuck is survived by his beloved wife, Sylvia, sons, Bradley, Andrew and Charles and daughters, Rachel and Brooke, granddaughter, Lilly, his parents, Nancy (Steve) Best and Thomas (Susan) Williams, brothers Paul (Terry), Thomas (Stephanie), Stephen (Wendy) Best, sisters, Pamela (Mark) Rush, Valerie Branch (Guy Allen), Shari (Randy) Kasberg, Carrington (Larry) Tibbets, uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, loving in-laws and family in New Mexico and wonderful friends. He is also survived by his godfather, Charles Griffin (Uncle) after whom he was named.

Services for Chuck include a visitation at Weed-Corley-Fish on RR 620 from 6-8 PM Thursday, February 4, 2016 and an additional visitation from 9-11 AM on Friday, February 5, 2016. A funeral service celebrating Chuck's life will be held at St. Lukes On The Lake Episcopal Church at 2 PM on Friday, February 5, 2016 followed by burial services at Austin Memorial Park.

The family would like to thank everyone again for all of their love and support – and especially their encouragement for Chuck during the last two months. He was very brave to the end in fighting his disease – and his family is so proud of him and love him so much.

In lieu of flowers, a charitable donation may be made to the JDRF (Junior Diabetes Research Foundation) or the Amyloidosis Foundation.