Carter Nelson Williams IV

1943 - 2025

Carter Nelson Williams IV

May 24, 1943 - August 26, 2025

Carter Nelson Williams IV, of Richmond, VA, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on August 26, 2025. Born May 24, 1943, Nelson lived a full and faithful life marked by devotion to his family and community.

He was the beloved husband of Meade Howarth Williams, with whom he shared nearly 60 wonderful years of marriage. He is survived by Meade; his children, Preston (Kristen) Williams and Beverley (Jamie) Curry; and his sister, Ginny (Jerry) Green. He was predeceased by his parents, Henrietta and Carter Williams.

As a young boy growing up in the country in Charles City, he developed a love of hunting, swimming, water skiing and engaging in mischief with his peers. Nelson attended Christchurch School, graduating with the Class of 1961. There he discovered a love of sailing, excelled in sports, held several leadership positions, and forged many lifelong friendships – especially with Bill Broaddus and Bobby Cone. He went on to attend Washington & Lee University as a member of the Class of 1965, and later engineering programs at Rensselaer and Georgia Tech.

Nelson's professional journey was defined by hard work and dedication. With Pete Dunbar, he co-founded the successful structural engineering firm Dunbar, Milby, Williams (now Dunbar). He retired in 2016 after a distinguished career and many contributions to the field.

Nelson was known for his determination, faith, and generosity. He was a longtime member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, where he was always ready to lend a hand or drive the church bus. In 2023, he was recognized with the lifetime achievement award at Christchurch School and inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame.

He found joy in life's simple pleasures, such as riding his bike, tinkering around the house, swimming in the ocean and taking long walks with Meade at Virginia Beach. He never turned down dessert – especially ice cream. His favorite words, often said to Meade, were "hi, love."

Family meant everything to Nelson. He cherished his role as "Gada" to his five grandchildren, Mary Carter Curry, Browning Curry, Eleanor Williams, Carter Williams, and Lake Curry. They were a great source of joy and pride, and he enriched their lives with his thoughtfulness and love.

The family is grateful to Dian Y. Melton Barner, and the amazing nurses and staff at the Barclay at Tuckahoe, especially Brittany Volz. A memorial service will be held at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 6000 Grove Ave., on Friday, September 5 at 10:30 a.m. The family asks that guests wear bright colors in celebration of Nelson's life. The service will also be available via livestream at St. Stephen's website. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christchurch School, 49 Sea Horse Lane, Christchurch, VA 23031.