Charles Lewis Williams, age 87, of Abilene, Texas, passed away on August 3, 2024. Born in Jacksboro, Texas, on September 15, 1937, he was the son of the late Floyd Buster Williams and the late Edith Long Williams.
Charles proudly provided for his family managing a grave digging business until 1976, serving 39 funeral homes in many counties throughout Texas. He learned his gravedigging skillset from Grandpa, his dad, who was also known for many years as the Caretaker for the Weatherford Cemetery. Together, they spent many hours caring for the historic and iconic Cotton Bratton Funeral Home. Charles later retired from Elkhorn Construction. Big Charlie, as his friends might call him, believed in instilling a work ethic into his children, whether they liked it or not.
A devoted family man who cherished spending time with his loved ones, Charles also had a passion for the Texas Rangers. A natural born thrifter, Charles enjoyed flea marketing and yard sales. He spent many days setting up at First Monday in Weatherford and in Aztec, New Mexico. Many weekends were spent buying pottery from Comanche, Texas and going to First Monday to trade days to sell.
He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Melba Wilson Williams; his three sons, Charles Lewis Williams Jr., Michael Williams, Rodney Williams; his daughters, Sherrie Williams, the late Melissa Miller and daughter in law Tammy Williams. He is also survived by his sister, Hazel Westbrook, and preceded in death by brother and sisters Robert Williams, Alma Wilson, Peggy Gardner, and Mary Alice Harrell. Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren and Great-Great Grandchildren include Kim Cash and family: Justin, Ashley, Paisley Moore, Tyler and Madison Baker, Shayla Cozart, Desi Cozart, Reese Yeager, Weston Yeager; Kristy McKee and family: Michael, Kaiti, and Preston and Lauren; Kassandra Williams and daughter Ralli Solberg; Kayla Drake and family: Georgia, Edith, Maren, and Scarlett Drake: Charles L Williams III and daughters Ella and Hayden Williams: Codie Dreher and family: Deric, Corbin, Sophia, and David Nail; Jessica Alsip and family: Chris, and Harper; Justin, Dillon, Dustin, and Derek Williams. Charles had many nieces and nephews including Wesley Westbrook.
A memorial service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to their favorite animal charity in Charles’s name.
Charles will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of love, dedication, and hard work will continue to inspire those he leaves behind.
