Charles Nelson Williams, 76, peacefully passed away at home on Thursday, February 19, 2026 in Statesville, North Carolina. He was born on April 30, 1949, in Lexington, North Carolina, to Lathan Eugene Williams, Sr. and Ethel Louise Taylor Williams.
Charles joined the US Marine Corps in 1968 and arrived in Danang, Vietnam, on his birthday in 1969, serving with the First Marine Division. After his military service, he graduated from UNC-Wilmington in 1985 and went on to teach History for 28 years in both Wilmington and Mooresville.
In January 1973, he married Mary Cooper Jones, and they shared 53 wonderful years together. He was a devoted husband and father, who is loved beyond measure, and will always and forever be deeply missed.
A devout Christian, Charles attended Christ Church in Statesville. He had a love of hiking, especially in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and was a history buff who enjoyed camping, traveling, working with his hands, and cooking. He was also known for his good sense of humor and his adventurous spirit.
He was a past Commander of the American Legion Post 65, a member of the Marine Corps League Detachment 1097, and a member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 68.
Charles is survived by his wife, Mary Williams of the home; his daughter, Sarah Williams McNees of Statesville; his sons, Aaron Lee Williams of Huntington Beach, California, and Elliot Samuel Williams (Trish) of Greensboro; his grandchildren, Gage McNees, Jacob McNees, and Miranda Williams; his nephews, Eric, John-David, Norman, Braxton, Travis, Christopher, and Timothy; his nieces, Leah, Teddy, Martha, Phyllis, Donna, and Ashley; and many other beloved family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Eve Williams Owens, Carol Williams Lesley, and Mary Frances "Willie" Williams Greene; his brother, Lathan Eugene Williams, Jr.; and his nephew, Gus Durner.
Visitation will be held at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home in Statesville on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 12:00 pm until 1:15 pm. A funeral service with military honors will follow in the funeral home chapel beginning at 1:30 pm.
Interment with military honors is scheduled for Friday, February 27, 2026, at 11:00 am. at Oleander Memorial Gardens in Wilmington, North Carolina.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charles' memory to Christ Church - Statesville or the American Legion Post 65.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com
