Charles A. Williams Jr.'s Obituary
Charles A. Williams Jr. (Charlie), 88, of Gainesville passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 28, 2023. Charlie was born in Stuart, Florida on February 8, 1935, to the late Charles A Williams Sr. (Chuck) and W. Frances (Davis) Williams.
Charlie grew up in Miami, FL and graduated from Edison High school before attending the University of Florida where he received an undergraduate degree in Business. Charlie then proudly served his country as a member of the United States Coast Guard reaching a rank of Lieutenant Commander. Charlie returned to the University of Florida to attend law school, receiving his Juris Doctor in 1965. Charlie was a respected member of the legal community with a practice focused primarily on real estate law. Many would tell you he was (in their opinion) the “best damn dirt lawyer in town”.
Charlie loved all his family and the game of golf (in that order). Charlie learned the game as a teenager by caddying in Miami and playing with his father. Thousands of rounds were spent with his family and friends on the golf course. The score became less important throughout the years - it was the time spent together that really mattered most. Charlie made sure his father was able to continue playing long after his father lost his sight by taking him out weekly to play by acting as his eyes. Charlie’s golf career would span more than 70 years and would include three hole-in-ones. Charlie parred the last hole he played a month before his passing.
Charlie’s love, kindness, and devotion will be carried on by his surviving loved ones. He is survived by his wife, Karen; sons Michael Williams (Michelle), Grant Jacobs (Donna), and Charles David Williams; sister Barbara Hammond (Bob); grandchildren Tanner Williams, Blake Williams, Amanda Jacobs, and Sam Jacobs; and many nieces and nephews.
The family honors the medical professionals who had a hand in Charlie’s care. Dr. Robert Slaton was Charlie’s doctor and longtime friend. Dr. Slaton’s caring guidance and comfort means so much to us. We also wish to honor the team at Haven Hospice who made Charlie’s wish to be at home a reality. Thank you to Robert, Amy, Shenora, Ty, Kristin, Hazel and all who worked behind the scenes at Haven Hospice.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 11 AM at the Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Westarea 823 NW 143rd Street, Newberry, FL 32669. As this is a celebration, feel free to dress comfortably – perhaps your favorite golf shirt in Charlie’s honor.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Charlie’s memory to Haven Hospice
at https://beyourhaven.org/donate
What’s your fondest memory of Charles?
What’s a lesson you learned from Charles?
Share a story where Charles' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Charles you’ll never forget.
How did Charles make you smile?