Charles Williams Jr.

Charles Henry Williams, Jr., of Colonial Heights, died peacefully in Spokane, Washington on Sept 30, 2016, at the age of 90. He was preceded in his death by his loving wife of 53 years, Anne Stone Williams. He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Bobby and Danielle Williams of Spokane, WA, and Keith and Christine Williams of Crystal River, FL; two grandsons, Zachary and Matthew Williams of Spokane; sister-in-law Frances Hagelston of Hattiesburg, MS; and a number of nieces and nephews. Charlie was a veteran of the US Navy where he served during World War II. After serving his country, Charlie re-entered the grocery business where he would spend the majority of his working life. He owned and operated "Wiseway Foods", on Chesterfield Avenue in Ettrick, for many years. He was loved by his many customers and sales reps from around the region for the good quality of products and the friendly environment that the corner grocery store offered. Many called him "Mr. Wise" or "Charlie Wiseway Williams" and the neighborhood kids absolutely loved his teasing nature. Charlie was also known for his involvement with the Ettrick Fire Department. He began as a volunteer firefighter and climbed to the rank of Fire Chief during his long tenure with EFD. As Chief, he coordinated the smooth integration of career fire personnel of the Chesterfield County Fire Dept. into Ettrick's Volunteer fire station. He had great respect of the County's Fire Administration and all those who worked with him at Company 12. After selling "Wiseway", he retired to Colonial Heights and shortly thereafter began working for John A. Gill and then Spencer Brothers Grocers. He served the greater Petersburg area and down through the Sussex County region for many years before officially retiring. He was a wonderful neighbor to many in Colonial Heights and was an active member of Highland United Methodist Church. In the late 2000's, Charlie began displaying signs of Alzheimer's that would cause him to need care for many years. He spent the majority of each year in Florida with Keith and Chris, where he loved being able to go out on the boat - this fulfilled his lifetime passion for the water. Most of the summers he would be in Spokane with Bobby's family. While his general health remained good, he struggled with the confusion and memory loss that goes with dementia. In 2014, he permanently moved to Harbor Crest Memory Care unit in Spokane, where he lived until he fell and broke his hip shortly before his death. His last hours were spent under the loving care of the staff at Spokane Southside Hospice House in its beautiful and peaceful setting. A funeral service will take place at 11:00 am, Wednesday, Oct 12, 2016 at E. Alvin Small Funeral Home, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights. The family will receive friends from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm Tuesday evening at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spokane Fire Department Foundation, 44 W. Riverside, Spokane, WA 99201 or a Hospice of choice.

Visitation Details

Tuesday, October 11th, 2016 7:00pm - 8:30pm, Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small

Service Information

Wednesday, October 12th, 2016 11:00am, Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small

Interment Details

Blandford Cemetery