Dr. Charles W. Williams

Charles graduated from Trinidad High School; Stephen F. Austin University, and Southern Methodist University. He was honored with Doctor of Divinity degrees from Southwestern University and Wiley College. A World War II Army veteran he served at Camp Roberts, CA and in the Philippines and Japan.

Charles served 48 years in the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, retiring in 1994, serving churches in Chireno, Joaquin, Chandler, Tyler, Canton, Beaumont (founding pastor, Trinity UMC), Longview (First UMC), Houston (Memorial Drive UMC and St. Paul’s UMC) and Galveston (Moody Memorial First UMC). He was appointed as the first Area Provost of the Texas Annual Conference and as District Superintendent of the former Houston East and Houston Southwest Districts. He was Texas Annual Conference delegate to four General Conferences and four Jurisdictional Conferences. Charles served on numerous Committees, Boards and Agencies of the United Methodist Church, including the Board of Publications of the United Methodist Church; Board of Trustees of Southwestern University and Wiley College; The Houston Methodist Hospital; and the Board of Ordained Ministry of the Texas Annual Conference. In 1996 he had the privilege of preaching in Wesley’s Chapel in London, England.

Predeceased by his parents Jim and Marian Williams, his sister Betty Matthews Inman, Charles is survived by his wife of 66 years, Merle Hendershot Williams; daughter and son-in-law Rosemarie and Jim Foster; son and daughter-in-law James and Judy Williams; granddaughters Stacye Foster, Stefanie and Larry Foster-Ciabattari, great-granddaughter Chloe Marie. Also survived by brothers James Williams, Wayne (Jan) Williams,; Harry (Ann) Williams; sister Geraldine Scroggins; Sister-in-law Opal Hendershot McGee; brother-in-law Simon W.(Rita) Hendershot as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Charles and Merle have been residents of the Buckingham Retirement Community, Houston, TX since 2005. The family extends their appreciation and gratitude to the wonderful staff of the Plaza at the Buckingham as well as the caregivers of Odyssey Hospice.

Following private family interment, a memorial service will be Wednesday, November 6, 2:00 pm, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Houston officiated by Rev. Tommy Williams. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX or Lakeview Methodist Conference Center, Palestine, TX.