Henry Charley Williams

Henry "Charley" Williams, a beloved husband, father, brother, dedicated educator, and coach, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on December 25, 1939, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Charley lived a life marked by adventure, service, and a profound impact on countless young lives.
Charley's early years were characterized by movement and resilience. In June 1944, his family relocated to San Pedro, California, after his father joined the Navy. Charley and his mother lived in various public housing developments in San Pedro, Wilmington, and Compton, California, shaping his formative experiences. His spirited nature was evident from a young age; he often recounted tales of his early schooling, from Kindergarten at 15th Street School to Hawaiian Avenue School, Western Terrace School, and Channel Heights Grammar School. He humorously admitted in his later years that he "was a real piece of work for his teachers to deal with." He particularly enjoyed sharing the story of how he stopped delivering notes pinned to his overalls by his first-grade teacher, which always resulted in a spanking, or the time he hopped on a school bus with his cousins, determined to join their "fun, hands-on" classroom, only to be sent back home by foot.
He continued his education at Richard Henry Dana Jr. High, Enterprise Jr. High, and graduated from Centennial High School in Compton on June 4, 1958. A talented athlete, Charley received a full-ride football and track scholarship to Southern University Louisiana, but returned to Southern California after just ten days, unwilling to tolerate the cultural segregation he experienced there.
On November 14, 1958, Charley enlisted in the United States Army, serving with distinction until 1962, primarily stationed in Friedberg, Germany, and earning numerous awards. After his military service, he moved to Palmdale, California, to work in construction with his father, Johnny Williams. Despite making "good money" and being encouraged by a union representative, his father intervened, reminding Charley of his promise to return to college. Johnny Williams, whom Charley affectionately called "my greatest proponent," played a pivotal role in shaping his path.
Charley enrolled at Antelope Valley Junior College in Lancaster, California. From September 1962 to 1964, he worked in the executive training program at Sears & Roebuck while continuing his studies. In September 1964, he transferred to Eastern Montana College in Billings on a football scholarship, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education on June 4, 1967, and later a Master of Science in Education with an option in Guidance and Counseling on May 30, 1971.
"Mr. Williams," as he was affectionately known, dedicated 31 years of his life to Antelope Valley High School in Lancaster, California, where he retired on June 6, 2000. He taught a variety of subjects, including US History, government, sociology, and physical education. His passion for sports extended to coaching football, baseball, track, and volleyball, impacting countless student-athletes. For his last nine years, he served as an advisor to the Leadership class of A.S.B. and for many years was the voice announcing varsity home football and basketball games. He also spent summers teaching leadership camps for CADA (California Association of Directors of Activities) with youngsters from across the state at California State University, Santa Barbara. Charley held a deep appreciation for all of his former students, affirming that they "helped make his life as a teacher a truly rewarding experience."
Beyond his professional life, Charley was a man of diverse interests. He dabbled in acrylic painting in the 1960s and, beginning in 1970, found a significant passion for working with wood, creating sculptures and multicolored inlaid pieces turned on a lathe. He was a long-time member of the Antelope Valley Woodturners Association. He also enjoyed traveling, taking quick trips to the coast and exploring the greater United States.
Charley was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Johnny Williams (March 17, 1916 – October 26, 2006) and Louella Jones Williams (February 18, 1917 – September 18, 1966).
He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Williams; his daughter, Shannon Williams; his sister, Christelle Yvonne Knox and her family; and his cherished adopted family: Hector, Ana, Christian, and Andrew Gonzalez. Charley's legacy of kindness, humor, and unwavering dedication to his family, students, and community will forever be remembered.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Charley's life will be held on July 19, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Grace Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the K.I.N.D. Fund.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6