Charles H. Williams, Jr., hailed from Pikesville, Maryland, where his father practiced medicine. Charlie left school and joined the Marine Corps, serving in the "Death Dealers," Marine All-Weather Fighter Squadron 114 in Viet Nam. While in the Marines, Charlie received a Purple Heart and was awarded a Bronze Star and Silver Star. After his service, he got his GED and used the GI Bill to attend the University of Maryland, graduating with an BS in electrical engineering. He went on to get his MA in education. Charlie taught mathematics at Maryland, then worked in engineering for the federal government and for government contractors. He taught engineering at Hagerstown Community College, Catonsville Community College, York College, and others and ran several businesses. While an executive with the National Association of Electrical Contractors, Charlie earned a Professional Engineering credential and an honorary doctorate from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. An avid equestrian, Charlie rode as well as scuba dove, flew small aircraft, hang-glided, boated, and kayaked over the years. He enjoyed summer vacations on Lake Charbot in Ontario, Canada.

Charlie and his wife traveled to more than 70 countries and saw most of the United States. They've lived in four states and spent a year in Mexico.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Liz Gilmore Williams, and his four children, Christopher Williams, Jennifer Rosier, Amy Steele, and Andrew Williams; his grandchildren, Ashley, Rachel, Blake, Logan, and Riley; his brother, Mark Williams, and sister, Susan Purnell; and his great-granddaughter, Adley.