Charles Williams Sr.

Charles Ronald Williams, Sr. was born December 14, 1945 in Glen Ridge, New Jersey to Joseph Williams and Mary Blanche Butler. He united in Holy Matrimony to Betty Ann Bryant on July 23, 1966. To this union, one daughter, Demeda, and three sons, Charles, Jr., Darnell and Damon were born. Charles entered into eternal peace on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.
Charles was a loving husband and dedicated father to his family. He graduated from Montclair High School in 1964, where he played baseball, becoming an all-time great in Montclair history. He joined the United States Air Force in 1966, where he became a Staff Sergeant and Medic during the Vietnam War. While stationed in Anchorage Alaska, Charles played baseball for the Glacier Pilots. Upon completion of his service, Charles came home, where he attended Montclair State College. Charles worked for the County of Essex for almost a decade and was a Deacon at New Vision Full Gospel Baptist Church in East Orange. As a native Montclairion, Charles was responsible for starting "Project Oasis" while serving as the Director at The Montclair Neighborhood Development Center. He coached the Montclair 81's, Women's Fastpitch Softball team, who won the ASA National Tournament in 1981. He also coached the Rough Riders, Men's Touch Football team, coaching 2 of his sons and many of their childhood friends to the 1998 Essex County Touch Football League Championship.
Charles leaves memories cherished by his loving wife Betty Ann Williams, adoring daughter, Demeda Williams and Corey Willis, son Charles Ronald Williams, Jr. and wife, Yavonne, son Darnell Williams and wife, Daneen and son, Damon Williams; his only living sibling, Douglas English, other siblings, the late Cynthia Randolph and Joseph Williams, Jr.; 11 Grandchildren: Donell, Brittany, Marquis, William, Christopher, Sherese, Jihan, Damon, Jr., TySean, Keyyonah and Alexus; 11 Great-Grandchildren: Jaiden, Jada, Jayden, Autumn, Faith, Dallas, Malachi, Maddison, Londyn, Syre and Kaylee; loving cousin Virginia Terrell; Loving Brother-in-Law to Stephanie and Robert Dixon, the late William Bryant, Delores Brown, Harry Bryant and Wilhelmina Hardgrove; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will hold him in their hearts forever.
Charles also known as "Chubbie" touched and made a difference in the lives of many people with his wisdom, knowledge, generosity and compassion. His love for sports, the racetrack, NY Yankees, The Giants, roulette, playing cards, coaching and community continues to live on, generation to generation. Always remember and please never forget, Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal, but Love leaves a memory, that no one can steal.
Visitation will be on Sunday, Sept. 29th from 12-1:30 p.m. with a Funeral Service to begin at 1:30 p.m. at Shook's Cedar Grove Funeral Home, 486 Pompton Ave., Cedar Grove, N.J. Memories and condolences may be shared at shookscedargrove.com.