Charles Herbert "Charlie" Williams Jr.

Charles Herbert “Charlie” Williams, Jr., 69, of Dix, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 30, 2025, surrounded by his Fireside House of Centralia family, at Fireside House of Centralia. Charlie was born October 22, 1955, in Princeton, Indiana, the son of Charles and Reba (Roeder) Williams. He also shared a close and special bond with his stepfather, Lee Stiles. On October 8, 1978, Charlie married Mindy Allison, and soon after, moved to Illinois to start a family and pursue a career in oil logging with Allegheny Nuclear Surveys, where he worked for many years. Charlie loved his job, working on cars, mushroom hunting, fishing, going to auctions, and playing volleyball. He was known for his epic firework shows, his signature mustache, and his sweet tooth for Fifth Avenue candy bars and strong coffee. Charlie had a soft spot for children and animals, and he was famous for wrestling around with his kids, giving whisker burns, and saying, “I like you a little bit.” In January 1995, Charlie suffered two brain aneurysms and a stroke, and had to retire early. He was cared for by his family for over 20 years in home. He embraced new hobbies such as ordering mysterious items over the phone, “borrowing” the family cars, blowing up microwaves, cooking everything on broil, wandering off from home, and even hitchhiking when he got bored at day program or physical therapy. Charlie had a mischievous sense of humor and kept everyone on their toes. If you got to know “the new Charlie,” you’d likely find yourself laughing along with him—especially when he giggled at the most inappropriate times, like during church or funerals. He was notorious for cheating at cards and bingo, laughing at his own jokes before telling them, and stealing any unattended soda or ice cream. Charlie found great joy in holidays with his grandkids, funny T-shirts, Mountain Dew, and Cheetos. He truly lived his best life in these years, and his presence brought joy, laughter, and endless stories to everyone around him. Charlie is survived by his daughter, Allison (Atta) Khan of Warrenton, MO; sons, Jerome Williams of Dix, and Eric (Holly) Williams of Salem; grandchildren, Ruben (Madison) Varnado, Cole Williams, Carter Williams, Trinity Rollinson, and Khaeler Williams; brothers, Darnell Williams, Charlie (Angy) Stiles, Daniel (Robin) Stiles; sister, Tamara (Richard) Recob; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepdad, and sister, Lois Leslie. Cremation rites for Charlie have been accorded, and a celebration of his life will be held at 12:00 p.m. (noon), Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Osborn Funeral Home in Dix. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service, Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the funeral home. Memorial gifts may be made in Charlie’s name to Judy Scott, who coordinates the activity program at Fireside House of Centralia, a program Charlie loved and looked forward to each day. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the Fireside staff for their love and care. Charlie cherished being part of the Fireside community, and never missed a chance to head to the main room for a laugh, a game, and his daily Mountain Dew and Cheetos. Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the Osborn Funeral Home Facebook page.

Charles Herbert "Charlie" Williams Jr.

October 22, 1955 - June 30, 2025