Charles Williams
1936 ~ 2017
Date of death: November 18, 2017
In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Williams family. Charles' earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall their be anymore pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Mr. Charles Williams.
Sincerely,
Derrick B.Veasley ~ Director
Henry B.Veasley ~ Director
Pastor Andrew Robertson ~ Chaplain
The sun rose for Charles Dennis Williams on February 7, 1936 near Morrilton, Arkansas. He was the son of Ruth and AZ Williams. He was preceded in death by his parents, older brother (Robert), sister (Doris), and one daughter (Aletha Robertson).
Charles accepted Christ at an early age. He was baptized at Spring Valley Baptist Church in Morrilton, Arkansas. He was a member of King Solomon Baptist Church and later joined The First Missionary Baptist Church of Fort Smith, AR. He was a faithful member of the usher board until his health would no longer let him serve as a doorkeeper for the House of God.
The family moved to Fort Smith when he was 10. He attended and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1952 in Fort Smith, AR. He met and later married Ava F. Vann on April 12, 1958. Charles appreciated the dignity of work. He was a dishwasher and later worked at Mr. Rob’s Cleaners. He was so dedicated to his work that he was offered the opportunity to buy the cleaners. Instead, he opted to get in on the ground floor of a new company in Ft. Smith, Gould National Battery (GNB). His family often teased him that he could have been a real-life George Jefferson. After many years at GNB (now Exide Technologies), he retired at the age of 75.
Charles was a member of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. Jurisdiction of Oklahoma. On April 4, 1981, he advanced to the Grade of 32nd degree as a member of E.O. Trent Consistory No. 223 of Ft. Smith. In 2013, he was acknowledged for 50 years of service to his Lodge and the Prince Hall Grand Lodge. Over the years, Charles received numerous recognition for his service to his church, Alumni association, and community.
The sunset for Charles on November 18, 2017. He was at home with his family. His life will be cherished by his beloved wife of 59 years, Ava. Joyce Corner (Richard) was is only surviving sibling. His legacy will be carried on by his daughters, Charlotte Williams and Carla Williams, along with 8 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. He leaves 8 brothers in-law and sisters in-law and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins who were touched by his life. Visitation will be held Friday, November 24, 2017 from 6-7 PM at Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Celebration of life service will be held Saturday, November 25, 2017, 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church, 3110 Kelley Hwy., Fort Smith, AR. 72901 Committal service and final resting place will be held at Oak Cemetery, Fort Smith, AR.