Charles Edward Williams Jr.

Charles Edward Williams Jr., age 68 of Knoxville, found peace on September 3, 2021 after a long courageous battle with cancer. He was born October 14, 1952 to Charles Edward Williams, Sr. and Mary Edna Jones Williams. Charles had many, many family members, friends and even his physicians who cared about and thought very highly of him. He will be missed by his devoted brother David Allan Williams, his strong and intelligent children Charles E. Williams, III and Olivia Williams Shuirr, grandchildren Liam Shubert, Soleil Shuirr, Luna Shuirr, and son-in-law Ian Shuirr. Most of all, he will be missed by his high school sweetheart whom he came to know and love in 1970 in art class, Sylvia Blankenship Williams. They would find excuses to wash out paint brushes at the same time at the classroom sink. They have been married almost 48 blissful years. In 1974, Charles graduated from UT Knoxville with a BA in comparative religions. Charles worked for 2 1/2 years at the old Baptist Hospital, but after that he was commercial artist and cartoonist. He wrote two volumes of drawing and cartooning for UT's Center for Extended Learning and taught many students for CEL over the years. He received a National Award for Excellence in Advertising as well. Charles began drawing, as soon as he could hold a pencil, on any scrap of paper he could find. The best part of his artwork is that it always came from his imagination and from deep within his soul. A small immediate family only graveside gathering will be held. Receiving of friends will take place much later in the year when the risk of COVID has lessened. The family would especially like to thank Ken Clayton, Mary and Richard Machanoff, and Carolyn Monroe for their extra measure of help, love, and devotion for Charles. Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.lynnhurstchapel.com