Charlie Williams

Charlie Frank Williams, age 74, passed away at his home on June 4, 2025, surrounded by his wife and children.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Mary Grace Williams and Jr. Williams.

He is survived by his wife, children, brother, Lyndell Williams of Norris, sister Debbie Williams Flick (Jim) of Oak Ridge, and special nieces and nephew, Shannon Harness (Scotty) of Oak Ridge, Gary Province (Haven) of Briceville, and Brittnee Williams of Norris.

Charlie was a devoted husband to his wife, Patty. Together, they built a stable, loving home; a home filled with strength, warmth, and unwavering support. He was a proud father to three children: Lyndell Joe Williams (Sherri), Michelle Campbell (Late husband -Joey), and Lyndon Williams. We always knew we were loved. We always knew we were safe. He made sure of that every single day.

Our dad was the most amazing man. His life was rooted in love, dedication, and service- to his family, to his country, and to his community. He gave so much of himself without ever asking for anything in return.

Before he was a husband or father, he was a soldier. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as a reconnaissance soldier, courageously providing intel for critical missions. For his bravery, he was awarded the Bronze Star. That courage, that sense of duty- it followed him throughout the rest of his life.

In 1981, he began a long and dedicated career as an EMT with Anderson County EMS, serving faithfully for 34 years. He also worked for Morgan County EMS, serving our community for over 20 years. Through those years, countless lives were touched- saved - by his hands, his calm under pressure, and his deep compassion.

Dad didn't just do a job. He built a legacy. He mentored generations of EMT's and Medics, passing on not just knowledge, but integrity and heart. In 2014, he was honored with the Region 2 EMS Director's Lifetime Achievement Award- a recognition of the profound and lasting impact he made in emergency services. And in 2015, when the Anderson County EMS Next Steps Scholarship was renamed to the Charlie Williams Award and Scholarship, it was more than a tribute. It was a promise; that his commitment to community service would live on.

As much as Dad gave to his work and to others, there was one role that mattered the most to him, and that was being Papaw. His grandchildren were the absolute light of his life: Hannah Heidle, Lauren Heidle, Marcus Williams, Connor Williams, Ashley Foster, James Foster, and Brently Williams. Every story he told, every smile he gave, somehow always found its way back to one of them. They brought him joy, laughter, and pride beyond measure. The love he had for them was deep, constant, and unmistakable.

Charlie Williams touched more lives than we can count. His legacy lives on in the EMT's and Medic's he trained, in the families he comforted in their darkest hours, and in the love he poured into his family each and every day.

To us, he was a hero. Not just for what he did, but for who he was. Kind. Strong. Humble. Funny in the quietest ways. You always knew when he was in the room--not because he needed attention, but because everything just felt a little steadier, a little more grounded.

Dad, thank you. Thank you for the sacrifices, the love, the strength, and the example. Thank you for being our foundation and our protector.

We will carry you with us always.

We love you.

The family will receive friends Monday, June 9, 2025 at Schubert Funeral Home in Wartburg from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with the funeral to follow at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor David Graves officiating. Graveside services will be Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Rocky Top.

Schubert Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Charlie Frank Williams.