Charles Edward Williams
1936-2024
Charles Edward “Charlie” Williams, formerly of Berkeley Springs, age 88, passed away on October 13, 2024 in Bandera, Texas.
Born on February 8, 1936 in Fairview, W.Va., he was the son of the late Ralph and Wilma Williams. He was married to the late Katherine Summers for 52 years.
They are survived by three sons, David Brian, Hagerstown, Md., Matthew Taylor, Berkeley Springs, W.Va., and Christopher Scott, Bakerton, W.Va., five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Charlie was preceded in death by his brothers, Gordon of Phoenix, Ariz., Clyde of Front Royal, Va. and David of Arbovale, W.Va.
He graduated from Bristol High School in 1954 and served in the United States Air Force as a weapons mechanic during the Korean War from 1954-1958 and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant while in the USAF Reserves until 1966. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Salem College in 1962, focused on English and History courses. He attended West Virginia University from 1964-1968, earning a Master of Science degree in Extension Education. He served the state of West Virginia as an Extension Agent in Randolph and Morgan Counties, and retired from the West Virginia University Extension Service as an Associate Professor in 1994.
Throughout his three-decade career, he provided leadership for community programs in agriculture, community economic development, and youth development. He was instrumental in building the Morgan County Little League Field, teaching Master Gardeners, and leading summer 4-H programs at Camp Frame, Tri-County 4-H Camp and at Jackson’s Mill, State 4-H Camp. Charlie was part of the team that brought the successful 4-H Shooting Sports Program to West Virginia, and he was a certified instructor in rifle and archery. Through his Extension work, Charlie touched the lives of hundreds of volunteers, community leaders, and youths.
He will always be remembered for his fine story-telling and love of history. He made his home in Bandera, Texas for the past seven years.
Charlie was active in the Bandera American Legion Post 157 and enjoyed 46 years of continuous membership in the American Legion in Berkeley Springs and in Bandera. Services and interment will be private.
Gifts in memory of Charles Williams can be made to the Camp Frame 4-H Association, C/O Sandy Davis, Treasurer, 13828 Apple Harvest Drive, Martinsburg, WV 25403 or to support WVU Jackson’s Mill educational programming by going to give.wvu.edu/CharlesWilliams or mailing a check made out to the “WVU Foundation” with “IMO Charles Williams” in the memo line to WV 4-H Development, PO Box 6031, Morgantown, WV 26506.
