Charles Howard Williams

Charles Howard Williams, 91, of Bradenton, FL passed away on January 27, 2023. He was born on October 16, 1931, in Graceville, FL where he grew up on a small farm as the youngest of five children. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at the age of seventeen. He later turned his experience in farming into a career in education. He graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Agriculture. He also earned an Education Specialist degree from the University of South Florida.

Charles was an Agriculture teacher at Zephyrhills High School and later at Southeast High School in Bradenton, FL from 1960-1968 and at Sugg Middle School also in Bradenton from 1975-1978. He became the Supervisor of Agriculture Education in 1968 for Manatee County Schools and later supervised the Industrial Arts Education program as well. He retired from the Manatee County School system in 1991 after serving as a supervisor for 23 years.

He loved teaching students and mentoring teachers. While at Southeast High School, he was the first teacher in Manatee County to petition the school to allow female students to take Agriculture classes. He was involved in the FFA programs in Manatee County for many years and he especially loved the land judging competitions. He also served on the Manatee County Fair Board for 23 years and was named Director Emeritus after he retired.

Charles was a Christian and lifelong follower of Jesus Christ. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church for 30 years and then at Woodland Community Church, both in Bradenton. At Woodland, he used his love of education to teach Sunday School for 26 years. He formed the Agape Sunday School class there in 1998. The Agape class immediately adopted the Florida Baptist Children’s Home as their Mission Outreach and Charles and Barbara remained faithful supporters of that organization to this day.

He loved leading others to the Lord and encouraging them to grow in their knowledge of the Bible. He and his wife, Barbara loved the friendships that they formed at church and especially in their Agape Sunday School class. Charles also served as Head Usher, Assistant Treasurer and on many committees while at Woodland.

He loved his family and especially his wife, Barbara and his five children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Another love of his was watching SEC College Football and especially his beloved University of Florida Gators. The Gators were his team, and he never missed a game. He even liked to record the games to watch over and over, although he tended to delete the games where the Gators lost.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Florida Williams; brothers Hubert (Edna) and Carroll (Melba); sisters Myrl Moody (David) and Marie Burgess (Jack).

He is survived by his precious wife, Barbara of 62 years, his sons, Freddie Dale Williams of Archer, FL; Eddie Dennis Williams of Bradenton; Charles Mark Williams (Beverly) of Lakeland, FL; Dr. Timothy Brandon Williams (Lohri) of Plant City, FL; and daughter, Rebecca Hodge (Shawn) of Bradenton.

He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Howie, Benjamin (Megan), Matthew (Kayla), Olivia, Josiah, Emma, Brandon and Caleb; great grandchildren Mia and Sophia; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Charles with contributions to One More Child (Florida Baptist Children’s Home of Lakeland, FL) or Woodland Community Church.

A visitation for Charles will be held Saturday, February 4, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Woodland Community Church, 9607 SR 70 E, Bradenton, FL 34202, followed by a funeral service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ManasotaMemorial.com for the Williams family.