Charles Austin Williams

Charles Austin Williams, affectionately known as “Charlie,” “Chuck,” “Butch,” “Granddaddy,” and “GanGan,” of Olive Branch, Mississippi, passed away on October 3, 2025. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Charlie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose life was marked by love, faith, and dedication to his family.

Charlie graduated from Messick High School in 1964 and began his career at Southern Airways. In March 1966, he was inducted into the Army, where he honorably served as a radio teletype signalman operator with Company A, 127th Signal Battalion, Eighth Army, earning the rank of Sergeant before his discharge in January 1968.

On December 2, 1966, Charlie married his beloved wife, Charlotte Wilson Williams. Together, they shared nearly 59 years of marriage, building a legacy of love and family.

After being honorably discharged from the Army, he returned to his former occupation, where he continued to work for 43 years at Republic and Northwest Airlines. He retired on February 29, 2008.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Charlotte Williams; siblings Judy Goolsby Love, Kathleen Bartholomew (David), and Bill Williams (Betsy); sons Scott Williams, Sean Williams (Stefanie), and Clinton Williams (Shannon); grandchildren Lauren Williams, Brandon Pollet (Kelsey), Austin Williams, Neelly Plunk, Hadley Plunk, Jackson Williams, and Jacob Williams; and four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Martin and Linda Loftin. In addition to his family, he also leaves his constant four-legged companion, Doolittle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles “Jack” Everette Williams and Lena Pearl McDaniel Williams.

Charlie’s life was guided by his faith, and he found comfort in the words of Isaiah 40:31:

“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Even after his passing, Charlie’s decision to be an organ donor reflected his ongoing commitment to helping others. Through this generous act, he will make a difference in the lives of more than a hundred people. He will be missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charity of your choice.