Obituaries

Charles Edward Williams Jr., 75, of Martinsville, Virginia, went to his heavenly home Saturday, April 25, 2026. He was born July 22, 1950, in Henry County, Virginia, to the late Charles Edward Williams Sr. and Ida Dixon Williams.

After graduating from Martinsville High School in 1969, he entered the U.S. Army, serving 13 months in Vietnam. He was assigned to the 1st Signal Brigade, attached to the 101st Airborne Division in Phu Bai near the DMZ, and later served at the Pentagon. He attained the rank of sergeant. He later graduated from Patrick Henry Community College with an associate degree in business administration. He retired from Georgia-Pacific and was the owner of Williams Auction Company LLC and a certified appraiser. He was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church.

Charles was a very patriotic American. He was a member of American Legion Post 42, where he received the Outstanding Military Award in 2020; a life member of VFW Post 1115; an honorary member of the Horsepasture Volunteer Fire Department; and a member of the Horsepasture Volunteer Rescue Squad, where he served as a driver and a board member for more than 15 years. He was also a past president of the Henry County Emergency Services Advisory Council (ESAC). Charles was a member of the Horsepasture Ruritan Club for more than 30 years, including four years as president. During that time, the club saw remarkable growth, increasing from 30 members to more than 100. He was recognized as “Ruritan of the Year,” named district “President of the Year,” and was awarded the Tom Downing Award for his leadership.

Charles served on the Citizens Advisory Board at Camp 28 and assisted for more than 28 years with the Coat Drive for Kids. Recently, he had the honor of receiving the Jack Dalton Award from Henry County for his lifelong dedication to the community.

Survivors include his life partner and fiancée, Debra Parsons Buchanan; honorary sister Peggie Parsons Powell; son Donald Thomas Williams; stepchildren Bryan Buchanan (Trish) and Brittany Buchanan Kelly (Sean); granddaughter Savannah; and step-grandchildren Ryan and Caitlin.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Wright Funeral Service Martinsville Chapel, with Pastors Doug Ramsey and Randy Aldridge officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m., followed by the service at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Roselawn Burial Park. Military honors will be presented by the Martinsville and Henry County Veterans Honor Guard.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.