Mr. Charles J. Williams

Life of Charles J Williams (Sam)

Charles J. Williams was the second of four sons born to Katherine Williams. He was born July 18, 1943, in Ripley, Tennessee.  He was called home by the Lord on October 25, 2023, after many years of declining health.  He confessed to the Lord at an early age and was baptized at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, Ripley, Tennessee. Charles joined Second Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri and made it his final church home.  He was a Master Mason, and Past Master of Great Western Lodge #90 in Kansas City, Kansas.  He was affectionately known as Sam by his family and friends.

Charles was united in Holy Matrimony to Irma Jean Reed, his high school sweetheart, on October 19,1963 in Ripley, Tennessee. To this union two daughters were born.

Charles received his early education in Detroit, Michigan and later Lauderdale County, Tennessee public schools.  After graduating from Lauderdale County High School, he attained an AA Degree in Pharmacy Technology, a BA Degree in Social Psychology, and a MA Degree in Human Relations.  Charles was a Fellow in Public Health Leadership with the St. Louis University School of Public Health.

Charles served 22 ½ years in the United States Air Force, retiring in January of 1986 as a Chief Master Sergeant.  He received numerous decorations, awards, and honors during his military, career including the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Meritorius Service Medal, Airman of the Month, and Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the Month recognitions for outstanding service. He was the honor graduate of his NCO Leadership School Program.  He was a Vietnam veteran. He also served overseas in the Republic of South Korea and the Azores, Portugal.  Charles also served temporary duty assignments in Japan and Germany. His stateside assignments included duty in Illinois, Georgia, Massachusetts, and Missouri. After retirement from the Air Force, his civilian employment included technical and management positions with the Missouri Department of Social Services, the Kansas City Missouri School District. and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, from which he retired in October 2005 after 19 ½ years of service.

Charles leaves to cherish his memories, Irma his wife of 60 years, two daughters Cynthia Garner (Joe), Cecelia Nugent, granddaughter Kamiera Garner, grandsons Uriell Knowles and Samuele Jackson. Four great grandchildren Keimoni, Tyrell, Terrion and Khalani.  Brother Montell Williams (Brenda) of North Miami, Florida, and a host of beloved sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and classmates.

Funeral Service will be held Saturday, November 4, 2023, 11am at Second Baptist of KC 3620 E. 39th Street KCMO 64128. Interment Forest Hill Cemetery. Service conducted by Watkins Heritage Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.

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