With our merciful Father’s master plan undoubtedly at work, Charles Williams, Jr. was born April 27, 1949 to Deacon Charles Williams, Sr. and Mother Baby Rae Gatlin Williams. Both preceded him in death. He was the older of two sons, Charles and Steve.
Pastor Charles Williams was educated in the St. Louis Public Schools. He attended Harris Stowe State University and the University of Missouri in St. Louis. He was an employee of Graybar Electrical Distribution Company. After thirty-two years of service, he retired from sales.
He grew up at Kennerly Temple Church of God In Christ and Martin’s Temple Church of God In Christ (formerly known as West End Temple). He was saved and filled with the Holy Ghost at an early age. In 1972, he joined paradise Temple Church of God in Christ.
He was united in holy matrimony June 10, 1973, with Cindy Mae Nunley whom he often said was the “prettiest girl he had ever seen.” A match made in heaven, their union was blessed with three beautiful children, Charles III, Charity and Chrystal.
As a young man, Pastor Charles Williams was an anointed and gifted musician. He was dubbed the” Magician Musician” for his rare skill and talent, playing the organ. His inspiring and uplifting music ministry touched countless lives. His rendition of “Amazing Grace” often moved people to place money on the organ as he played. He recorded two albums and was featured on various other musical projects.
Pastor Charles Williams was a humble man before God. His call to the pastorate was in the year of 1979 to Paradise Temple Church of God In Christ. He also answered the call to serve at Martin Temple church. He was blessed to bring two church families together and unite them as Martin-Paradise Temple church of God In Christ. He was an anointed preacher. As a man of God, his spiritual accomplishments were numerous. He held many positions in the church throughout his ministry.
Pastor Charles Williams was a loving husband and father. A “gentle giant.” He protected and provided for his family tirelessly and with excellence. He instilled in his family a love for God, the church, loyalty and good character. They were the arrows in his quiver. Affectionately called “papas Fritas” by his children, there was nothing he wouldn’t give to his family. Their joy was his joy.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his lovely wife, Missionary Cindy M. Williams, three children, Charles III, Charity and Chrystal, one brother, Steve Williams, his aunt, Shirley Keys, the Martin paradise Temple Family, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
