Charles "Charlie" Williams, passed away at his home on January 26, 2021 with his family by his side. Charlie was born April 7, 1934 in Tupelo, MS to Charles Henry "Hal" Williams, Sr. and Laura Irene Filgo Williams.
The Williams family later moved to Jackson where Charlie graduated from Central High School in 1952. Charlie attended Millsaps College where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. He was a proud member of the Millsaps chapter of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. In 1956, he attended the University of Texas and obtained his masters degree in Geology. Charlie married the love of his life, Vivian Shortridge in December of 1955.
After graduation, Charlie was employed by Monsanto Chemical and Oil Company but, shortly thereafter, was called into military service where he served in the Army for two years. He spent the majority of his time in Germany with the 11th Armored Cavalry. Vivian joined Charlie in Germany where their first child, Angela, was born.
After Serving in the Army, Charlie resumed his job as a Geologist with Monsanto in New Mexico. His first job was surface mapping in Northern Arizona which included Navajo and Hopi Indian Reservations. His work led the company to participate in one of the earliest oil discoveries in Arizona. Monsanto transferred Charlie to Midland, Texas for four years. From there, he was transferred to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1963. Despite his eight year success with Monsanto, Charlie and Vivian were homesick for Mississippi and returned home where he became Staff Geologist with the Mississippi Geological Survey.
Charlie authored several geological publications while at the Survey. After three years, he resigned to become Exploration Manager for Champex, and then left Champex to become President of the Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, Mississippi Alabama Division. He represented the industry in the legislative sessions of Alabama and Mississippi and Washington D.C. During Charlie's tenure, the industry faired very well legislatively in both states and many bills sponsored by the industry were enacted. In 1986, after 16 years of service, Charlie left Mid-Continent to join Vaughey and Vaughey as General Manager. He managed production in nine states as well as in Canada for the Vaughey families. In 2015, Charlie partnered in the purchase of Vaughey and Vaughey. He retired in 2019.
Charlie was active in many petroleum organizations. He served on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the U.S. Oil and Gas Association in Washington D.C. and for the Mississippi- Alabama Division. He served as Convention Chairman for the Gulf Coast Association Geological Societies in 1975. Charlie was also, President of the Capital City Club in 1979. He was a Charter Member of the 100 Club of Madison-Ridgeland where he served as Vice-President and served on the Board of Directors of the 100 Club of Jackson. He was on the Board of Tellus Operating Group and was a charter investor of FNC, Inc. where he was a trusted advisor. His support continued over many years and contributed to the success of the company.
Charlie's great loves were his family, music, traveling and Ole Miss football. He was an avid reader and interested in all things concerning the history of WW I and II. He loved being surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He made it a priority to share as many experiences with them as possible. He loved visiting the far corners of the globe with his wife, children and grandchildren. When he was in between trips, he could be found on the golf course surrounded by laughter and the comradery of his longtime golf group. Charlie always looked forward to his Tuesday and Friday lunch groups and Board Meeting dinners made up of great friends and great stories. He was known as a Southern Gentleman, a brilliant mind and a captivating storyteller. Friends began to refer to Charlie as "The Governor" or "Gov", a nickname that represents his social ease and the crowds of friends that surrounded him.
Charlie was predeceased by his parents, his daughter, Angela Williams Lang (John), and his sister Lela Carolyn Rosenbaum (Neal).
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Vivian Shortridge Williams, and children Leslie Hines (Todd), Charles Henry 'Hal", III, Erin Chevalier (Steven), son-in-law John Lang (Hannah) ; seven grandchildren, Jilly Lang Escude' (Mark Charles), Preston Lang Miller (Montgomery), Vivian Lang Robinson (Grant), Vaughan Hines Coffin (Robert), Allison Hines Mangialardi (John Finley), Ethan Chevalier and Ava Chevalier, as well as, his three great grandchildren Francie, Mark Charles and Sophie Escude'; his sister's children Cornelius Dutch Rosenbaum (Deborah), Laurie Williams (Bob) and Lee Rosenbaum (Angela) and sister-in-law Bertie Wade.
The family would like to acknowledge Dr. Katharine Gregg for her special care and consistent support for Charlie and his family.
A private family memorial service was held on Friday, January 29th at First Presbyterian Church of Jackson. Special music was provided by Guy Hovis, Charlie's cousin.
Donations can be made to the ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi, 14241 Coursey Blvd. Suite A12, #374, Baton Rouge, LA 70817, (225) 343-9880, Gateway Rescue Mission at P.O. Box 3763, Jackson, MS 39207, and to First Presbyterian Church of Jackson Missions at 1390 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39202.
