Charles Ray Williams went to his heavenly home Friday, May 12th, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife and children. Charles Ray was born on March 3, 1935, in Monroe, NC to Eva and Cecil Williams. He grew up in the Rock Rest/601 Area in Union County, NC and graduated from Wingate High School.

Charles was a gifted athlete and went on scholarship to Wingate Junior College (now Wingate University) to play baseball and basketball. He graduated 2 years later in 1954 and is a member of Wingate University Hall of Fame. He continued his studies and furthered his sports endeavors at Appalachian State Teacher College (now Appalachian State University) where he was also on scholarship for baseball and basketball. He graduated from Appalachian State and has enjoyed being a member of the Former Athlete's Club at App for many years after his graduation. Charles also earned advanced degrees in education from the University of Kentucky and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Charles and Margaret Chaney were high school sweethearts. They were married in 1957 and he started teaching and coaching at Wingate High School, his alma mater. In 1960 he became the principal of Wingate Elementary School and became principal of Forest Hills High School from 1978 to 1992.

Charles lived a life of service to his schools, town, and Wingate Baptist Church. You could always expect a warm smile and a hug from his official greeter position as you walked into the sanctuary at church. He was a beloved educator and Coach to many. Charles was a mentor to many children in the community and was well known as gifted fundraiser for the school and community hosting numerous BBQ's and candy sales so his school would have the best facilities, activity buses and equipment in the county. Many remember him driving the school's Greyhound bus to ball games and field trips. He was a long-time active member of the Wingate Lions Club serving in various offices.

Charles founded and administered the Wingate Recreation Program at Wingate Elementary School for over 15 years. The program included T-Ball, Little League, Babe Ruth Baseball, Tennis, Men's Softball and other activities such as ceramics, bumper pool and ping pong. The program provided a healthy environment and a place to go for small town kids and their parents. A Charles Ray Williams baseball field stands today in his honor of his achievements behind Wingate Elementary School in the Wingate Town Park.

Charles enjoyed golf and was a founding member of Eagle Chase Golf Club. His other hobbies included quail and dove hunting, and fishing. He and Margaret enjoyed many days relaxing, playing golf and entertaining their grandchildren and great grandchildren at their Mountain House in Linville Land Harbor in Linville NC.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Irene Williams, Alene Wine and Agnes Ford, his brother Ralph Williams and granddaughter Emily Williams. He is survived to cherish his memory by his wife of 66 years Margaret, sons Alan Williams (Shirley), Kelly Williams (Cindy), David Williams, daughter Laura Ponds (Chris), grandchildren Jameathan Williams (Danielle), Jonathan Williams (Kristen), Matt Williams (Megan), Josh Williams, Taylor Walters (Griffin), Mackenzie Ponds and great-grandchildren Laina Williams, Dalton Williams, Harper Williams, Maci Williams, Annabelle Williams, Graham Williams, Layla Williams, , and Hallie Rae Walters.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the memory of Charles to Wingate Baptist Church or Wingate University Athletic Department.

Visitation

Tuesday, May 16th 2023 - 02:00 PM to 03:45 PM - Wingate Baptist Church - 109 E Elm Street, Wingate , NC 28174

Church Fellowship Hall

Celebration of Life

Tuesday, May 16th 2023 - 04:00 PM - Wingate Baptist Church - 109 E Elm Street, Wingate , NC 28174

Church Sanctuary

Interment: Wingate Town Cemetery

In lieu of flowers: Wingate Baptist Church, or Wingate University Athletic Department