Charles D. Williams

1920 - 2017

Bishop Charles D. Williams born in Ennis, Texas, growing up in Dallas, Texas, came to Alaska, in 1952, where his ministerial journey began. He became known for his hospitality, taking in the homeless, feeding the hungry and most of all, committing himself to the healing of the whole person. Bishop Williams inducted into the Armed forces in 1942, became known as an initiator, preacher and an officer until he was honorably discharged in 1946. Young Charles Williams accepted the call to the ministry in 1949 in Stockton, Calif. In 1953, Minister Williams was ordained to the office of Elder by the late Bishop L. E. Tolliver. In 1967, God elevated him to the office of Bishop for the Church of God in Christ in the State of Alaska. He founded the Friendly Church of God in Christ. Under his administration, the Church of God in Christ in Alaska grew from three churches to 12 churches. In 1993, the Trinity Hall College and Seminary for the Church of God in Christ conferred Bishop Williams with an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Divinity. In 2014, the Anchorage Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance declared Bishop C. D. Williams, a "Living Legend" and so by established a scholarship in his name. He was honored at a banquet in his honor where the honorable Bishop Jerry Macklin, the Second Presiding Bishop for the Church of God in Christ was the keynote speaker. Bishop Williams made his presence known throughout the nation in the capacity of the Alaska Prelate for the Churches of God in Christ in Alaska. He loved all children. He was loved by many, respected by more and affectionately known as "Dad." On Feb. 22, 2016, he celebrated his 96th birthday. Bishop Williams also celebrated 63 years as the pastor of the Greater Friendly Temple Church of God in Christ and 49 years in the office of the Bishop for the Churches of God in Christ in Alaska. In July 2016, Bishop C. D. Williams was emeritized by the Presiding Bishop, Bishop Charles E. Blake. Bishop Williams was a man after Gods own heart and believed prayer was the foundation to ones relationship with the Lord. Men and women alike were blessed to know, learn and be led both naturally and spiritually by this praying man of God. Bishop Williams was known as the oldest and longest serving Bishop in the Church of God in Christ as of November 2016. Bishop C. D. Williams is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mother Fannie M. Williams; his granddaughters, Audrey (Rainey) Hall of Anchorage, Alaska, Robin Williams and Sherdon Mitts and grandson Renard Mitts, all of Dallas, Texas; his nephew, Pete Williams with wife Lillian of Houston, Texas; a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, saints and friends. He is preceded in death by his son, Luther James Williams; daughter, Mae Ruth Mitts; and grandsons, Alfred B. Hall, Wesley and Troy Williams.
There will be two services for Bishop Williams. The first service will be on Friday, Jan. 27, 2017, at 7 p.m. at the Greater Friendly Temple, 6310 Debarr Road in Anchorage. The second will be held on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017, at 1 p.m. at Anchorage City Church, 1301 West 100th Avenue in Anchorage. Please send floral tributes to the Legacy Funeral Home. Send telegrams, written words of kindness, to ladyjratcliff@aol.com">ladyjratcliff@aol.com">ladyjratcliff@aol.com">ladyjratcliff@aol.com c/o Mrs. Frannie Williams and Family. The body will lie in state beginning Friday, Jan. 27, 2017, at 10 p.m. until Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017, at 11 a.m.