Charles Thomas Williams, Sr.
Community Leader and Industrial Engineer
Community leader and Industrial Engineer Charles Thomas Williams, Sr. died on Saturday, January 17, 2026 in Ooltewah, Tennessee following a long and rich life of caring and dedicated devotion to God, his Family, and Community.
He was preceded in death by his parents, the late Edgar Buckner Williams and Clara Green Williams, Brother Malcolm Williams, Sister Kathleen Cates, Sister Frances Spencer, first wife Faye Williams, and second wife Ruth Williams.
Mr. Williams is survived by his son, Charles “Chuck” Williams, Jr. and wife Joy of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Daughter, Lisa Logan and husband Kim of Cohutta, Georgia, Grandchildren Adam Logan of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Larken Raines and husband Ray of Rock Spring, Georgia, Ryan Logan of Cohutta, Georgia, Charles Williams III and wife Mackenzie of Franklin, Tennessee and Sarah Bortolotto and husband Zack of Ooltewah, Tennessee, Great Grandchildren Kennedy Williams of Franklin, Tennessee, Charles “Charlie” Williams IV of Franklin, Tennessee, and Ellie Bortolotto of Ooltewah, Tennessee.
Mr. Williams was born on September 18, 1927 in Humboldt, Tennessee to Edgar and Clara Williams. As a young boy, he worked numerous jobs in the Alamo, Tennessee area including picking cotton, picking strawberries, and working at a local funeral home. He attended Alamo High School and was the Senior Class President, graduating in 1945.
He began his post High School education at the University of Tennessee. After attending one year, due to a work accident to his Father, he came home to help his family by leading a survey crew for Gibson County Electric in Trenton, Tennessee.
When his Father regained his health, he served in the United States Army during the occupation of Germany after World War II and in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1952 with a rank of Sergeant First Class. After his military service, he enrolled at Mississippi State University. He immediately became a huge fan of the Bulldogs, enjoying any and all sporting events throughout his life. He received an Industrial Engineering degree from Mississippi State in 1955.
Mr. Williams accepted his first post-graduation employment as an Industrial Engineer at Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company in Natchez, Mississippi. He married his first wife, Faye in 1956, and they started their family welcoming Chuck in 1958 and Lisa in 1959.
In 1961, the Family moved to Summerville, Georgia when he accepted a position as Special Project Engineer with Riegel Textile Corporation. Subsequent jobs at Atlas Chemical and Cone Mills prepared him for a 22 year career at Dixie Yarns in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He retired in 1993 as the Chief Industrial Engineer for the company.
Mr. Charlie, as he was affectionately known, was involved in numerous Civic Organizations. Among his leadership roles were Chairman of the Chattooga County Hospital Authority, President of the Summerville Elementary PTA, President of
Summerville Little League, District Administrator of Little League, Cubmaster of the Summerville Pack 73 Cub Scouts, District Commissioner of Cub Scouts, Secretary of the American Institute of Industrial Engineers, Lions Club, Gideon’s International, and the Chattooga Linebackers Club. He most enjoyed serving at the Summerville First Baptist Church. He was a former Deacon Chairman, Young Men Sunday School Teacher, Baraka Sunday School Teacher, and was recognized in 2025 for 30 years of service as Deacon Emeritus.
He was always interested in the activities and growth of his five Grandchildren and three Great Grandchildren. They always looked forward to their visits to Granddaddy’s house, throwing baseball or football in the backyard, playing on the swing set, exploring the treasures of the basement, but they particularly enjoyed special occasions such as the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Independence Day cookouts, birthday celebrations, and especially the Christmas Eve Williams’ Family traditions. Those memories will be cherished forever.
In his later years, he enjoyed walking with his Farrar Drive neighbors, teaching his Sunday School class at the First Baptist Church, watching any Mississippi State sporting event, and traveling with wife Ruth to such destinations as Israel, England, Italy, Alaska, and Hawaii.
He was a kind, loving, and giving person, always willing to assist his church, family, friends, neighbors, and community. His life was dedicated to the service of others.
Active pallbearers will be Adam Logan, Charles Williams, Ryan Logan, Zack Bortolotto, Ray Raines, and Arch Farrar. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Poole, Paul Meredith, and the Deacons of the Summerville First Baptist Church.
Officiating will be Reverend Paul Mason, Reverend Randy Clayton, and Reverend Tim Evans. Interment will be in Green Hills Memory Gardens.
The Family will receive friends on Saturday, January 24, 2026 from 1:00-3:00 pm at Rainwater Funeral Home with a memorial service to follow at 3:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the Family requests memorial donations be made to the Summerville First Baptist Church, 125 Georgia Avenue, Summerville, Georgia, 30747 or to the Gideon’s International.
Rainwater Funeral Home, Summerville, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.