Charles Williams

Charles Alois Williams passed away peacefully with family at his side on Oct 28th. Charles was born on November 23 1923 to Charles and Florence Williams in Dryer Indiana. They later moved to Travers City Michigan where he grew up. When WWll started Charles was 18 and tried to join the Navy but was turned down because of a leg injury he received when he was a young boy. But Charles was determine to help fight in the war so he join the Merchant Marines. Merchant Marines played such an important part in the war as it was these ships that carried the invaluable supplies to the allies Great Britain and the Soviet Union, And for this reason the Germans were determined to sink as many of these ships as possible. Between 1942 and 1944 Charles sailed on the Liberty Ships and was in serval convoys that made what is known as the most hazardous voyages of the war “The Murmansk Run” sailing through floating Mines, German U-boats and Subs. By the end of the war the Merchant Marines lost more ships and men then any other branch of the Military. Charles stayed in the Merchant Marines until 1947 and was honorably discharged. After the war Charles moved to San Pedro Ca where he continued to work on boats and the last 18 yrs before retiring in 1988 he was 1st Captain for Catalina Cruises. In 1989 Charles and wife Pam moved to Cedar City with their sons Lance and Brandon.

Charles is preceded in death by his Parents and sister Vivien. He is survived by wife Pam Williams, Sons Richard (Cass), Don, David (Irma), Lance (Nikki), and Brandon. 10 Grand Children: Richard, Shawn, Serina, Christina, Wendy, Heather, David, Dawn, Tucker and Dylan.  And 16 Great Grand Children.

There will be a private memorial for Charles in California where his ashes will be spread between San Pedro and Catalina Island.

The Family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Parowan Nursing Home for the wonderful care they gave to Charles.