Sunday, October 22, 2017 we lost a great man. Charles “Charlie” Wesley Williams, Jr., passed peacefully following a recent illness. Charlie was born January 26, 1925, in Memphis, Tennessee and was the only son of Charles W. Williams, Sr. and his wife Eula.
Charlie spent his youth in Earle, Arkansas graduating from Earle High School. He attended college at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, pursuing a degree in Chemistry. It was while at college that he met the love of his life Gayle Puterbaugh. They married August 29, 1946 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Gayle and Charlie began their married life in Memphis, Tennessee before moving to Denison, Texas in the 1950s. He spent the remainder of his career as a research chemist for the Safeway Corporation, Brookside Division in Denison. He retired after 33 years with the company.
Charlie was known for his love of church, family, friends and community. He was a dedicated member and servant of the First Presbyterian Church for over 60 years. He and Gayle were both elders of the church and loyal members of the church choir. They also were active in starting Meals on Wheels in Denison and volunteered with the SNAP Center. Charlie served many years in a leadership role of Boy Scout 607 at the First Presbyterian Church. Many area young people in the Texoma area know him as “Mr. Charlie" because of his years of volunteer work with the First Friends School in Denison. He loved playing golf, gardening, watching his Razorbacks, and being with his family and church family. When Charlie's name is mentioned the response is normally “He is one of the nicest and best men I have ever known."
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents and wife Gayle. He is survived by his sons Stephen Williams of Dallas, Ken and wife Connie Williams of Arlington, TX, grandchildren Ryan Williams of Newport Beach, CA, Cory and wife Stacey Williams of Denison, TX, Max and wife Katie of Houston, TX, Bryan and wife Mandy Grandell of Ft Worth, TX, Chad and wife Mysza Grandell of San Antonio, Stephanie Williams of Ft. Worth, TX, 9 great grandchildren, and a family of friends from church and throughout a life based on love.
The Williams family would like to thank Dr. and Mrs. John Saunders, John and Tracey Bullard, Joanna Parks, members of the First Presbyterian Church and all of his caregivers for the help and support given to Charlie. He had such a loving family of friends.
A memorial service will be held for Charles Williams on Monday, November 6, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church in Denison at 2:00pm, Rev. Jack Stafford officiating.
The family is available at the Williams home in Denison, TX. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Denison, TX.
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