Charles Edsel Williams
Charles Edsel Williams, 80 of Moneta, VA passed away Monday, March 2, 2020 at his residence. He was born March 31, 1939 in Roanoke County, a son of the late Isaac Carter Williams and Flora Hale Williams.
Charlie, to all, is beloved. In 1943, Isaac Williams bought Joppa Mill on Goose Creek in Bedford County and moved the family from Roanoke. Joppa remains in the Williams family. After high school Charlie enlisted in the United States National Guard. He was a life long member of Mount Olivet Baptist Church. From 1959 until 1970 he was an assistant chemist at Rubatex in Bedford. In 1970, Charlie bought Cocke’s Grocery in Moneta; and in 1972, he bought the land next door and built a house. In 1979 Charlie married Carolyn. They sold Cocke’s Grocery in 1991. Charlie wore many hats. With his son Timmy he started Williams Logging. At Happy’s Flea Market and J.D. Scott’s Farm he was “Canteloupe Charlie” where he sold truck loads of fresh produce for over 30 years. Charlie was a charter member of the Bedford Moose Lodge, and with his brother’s Carl and Carter he founded Smith Mountain Lake Moose Lodge in 1988. He served all positions at SMLML with great passion. In 2016 he received the Pilgrim degree from the Loyal Order of Moose. For over 25 years Charlie drove many school bus routes, which he loved. His last drive was last week.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Jones Williams; his children, Sonja Renee Sprouse, Charles Edsel Williams, Jr., Timothy Allen Williams, Brandon Thomas Williams; his grandchildren, Ryan D. Sprouse, Lauren A. Sprouse, Joshua W. Sprouse, Gracie Williams, Charles Wesley Ban-Williams, Isaac Saran Thomas Williams; his great grandchildren, Layla R. Sprouse, Xavier T. Stokes; his siblings, Madeline Mae Caldwell, Frances Marie McLaughlin, Mary Jane Teass, Edgar Lee Williams, Carl Allen Williams & Carter Hales Williams.
A funeral service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at Updike Funeral Chapel, Bedford with Rev. Wayne Murphy officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Southern Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 4 until 7 PM at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.
