Charles L. Williams, 76, went to his heavenly home June 29, 2013, in Bay City, Texas. He was born in Gulf, Texas, on April 20, 1937, to Charles P and Dorothy J. (White) Williams. He was a member of the Bay City High School Class of 1956, and a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church of Bay City.

Over the years, Charles worked for Matagorda Shell Company as a tugboat captain, Texas Gulf Sulphur Company, and the U.S. Corps of Engineers at the locks in Matagorda. He had a passion for airplanes and began flying in December, 1971. Charles became manager of the Bay City Municipal Airport in 1981. He also served as a corporate pilot for Stanley Stores, Inc., and Western Gulf Bank. Charles retired from the City of Bay City in 1999.

Charles served on the first Airport Advisory Board and was President of the Bay City Rotary in 1990-1991. He was president of the Chamber of Commerce in 1992, where he was instrumental in helping start the Lighted Christmas Parade and Market Days on the Square. He also served as President of the Sons of the Republic of Texas, Chapter 35. He volunteered in his church in many capacities, including office volunteer, Sunshine and Rainbows Board Member, Usher Captain, and the Board of Trustees.

Charles had many hobbies and passions in his life, including sports, building models, hunting and fishing, cooking, genealogy, celebrating Christmas traditions and telling great stories. But nothing provided more joy to his life than his family, and he always had a strong desire to have everyone he loved close around him.

Charles is survived by his loving wife and partner of 54 years, Patricia (Cook) Williams, daughters Susan (Williams) Parish and husband Bill, and Melinda Williams of Bay City. Grandchildren Cody Williams of Bay City, and Catie (Williams) Coulter and husband James of Bellevue, Nebraska. Great Grandchildren, Dalton Williams of Van Vleck, Jackson Coulter and Charlotte Coulter of Bellevue, Nebraska. Brother, Jimmy Williams and wife Graciela of Bay City. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and long time friends. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Monday, July 1, 2013, from 5-7p.m. Funeral Services are scheduled for Tuesday, July 2, 2013, at 10 am at First United Methodist Church of Bay City. Pallbearers include; Clif Cook, Ronnie Cook, Will Cook, Bobby Head, Richard Knapik, Bill Parish, Jason Sanders, and Clint Williams. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the General Fund of First United Methodist Church, Bay City.