Charlie Smith Williams

Charlie Smith Williams was born on February 19, 1919, to Lawrence and Ida Williams in Butler, Alabama. Charlie was the oldest of the five children in the family. He often talked about his youth, where he learned to plow the fields to help provide for his family. This is where his hard work ethic was instilled.

Charlie married Natha Ree Wilcox in 1941 and was later drafted in World War II. He served with his two younger brothers – John and Frank Williams. They served together in Germany and France. Charlie was enlisted as an engineering technician. Charlie was honorably discharged from the military in December 1945.

After the war, he, his wife, and brother Frank moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where he and Natha were later blessed with a daughter, Vernia Lee.

Charlie and Frank moved to Seattle with the encouragement of their brother, John to come and work at The Boeing Company. All were hired by The Boeing Company. A few years later, Charlie sent for his wife and daughter.

Charlie was a hard worker and always had two to three jobs to provide for his family and to purchase several real estate properties in the Central Area and South End of Seattle. After 34 years of employment with Boeing, he and his brothers retired. Following his retirement, he went to work for Safeway for ten years.

Charlie was an avid sports enthusiast; he especially loved watching Baseball and Boxing. His favorite team was the Dodgers because they were the first to draft black players. He loved to talk about his experience meeting and going to see Jackie Robinson in St. Louis. Charlie loved to garden, in his early years; he always planted his vegetables. Hunting and fishing with his brothers were his other joys.

He was preceded in death: by his parents, wife: Natha; brothers: John Williams and Frank Williams (Seattle), and sisters: Mattie Williams and Lucille Hodges (Mobile, Al).

Charlie leaves to cherish his memory; his daughter Vernia Strickland (Kenneth W), Granddaughters: Donyale Jones (Eddie); Nicole Perkins. Grandsons: Kenneth E Strickland and Christopher D Strickland (Houston, Tx). Great-Grandchildren: Jaemen Jones, Jordyn Jones, Corey Perkins II, and Jayla Perkins. In addition, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Charlie was a man of integrity, respect, strength, and unconditional love. He loved and was proud of his family and we loved him as well. He was truly our rock! Rest in peace Doc, Daddy, Granddaddy and Uncle!! You will be missed.

“Old soldiers never die; they just fade away. ”– Douglas MacArthur

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