Charles Ray Williams

Charles Ray Williams passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025, at age 75, while visiting family in Sacramento, California.
Charles was born on August 5, 1949, in Dayton, Ohio. He moved to Illinois to study at the University of Chicago before settling in Akron, Ohio, where he resided for most of his life and married his loving wife, Diana. He worked for the Goodrich Corporation (later BFGoodrich) for more than two decades before transitioning to a second career teaching math at local high schools and then the University of Akron.
Family and friends will remember his dependability, thoughtfulness, good humor, determination, and generosity. He was devoted to his faith and in serving church and community. He had a knack for helping to solve problems, crunch numbers, and make sound decisions. He preferred to live simply while sharing what he enjoyed, whether that meant recommending books and flavors of ice cream or giving boat rides on the lake.
Charles is survived by his wife, Diana; children and step-children, Amanda, Cynthia, and Jonas; grandchildren Alison, August, Jocelyn, Logan, and Oscar; and many children-in-law, siblings-in law, and their children. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Charlotte, and his brother, John.
Visitation will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, at Brown and Sons Funeral Home, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, Florida. Funeral mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1220 15th St. W., Bradenton, Florida.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles, please visit our floral store.