Charles Bertram Williams

The Life and Legacy of Charles Bertram Williams 
Servant of God well done, rest from thy loved employ. The battles fought; the victories won. Enter thy Master’s joy. On Saturday morning July16, 2022, the heavenly gates opened to welcome our precious husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend Charles Bertram Williams affectionately known as “Bert”.

He was born in Norfolk County on February 3, 1944, the third oldest son of the late Alexander Williams, Sr., and Bernice Fitchett Williams. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Alexander Williams, Jr., Rev. Geoffrey T. Williams, and a devoted Aunt Beatrice Fitchett Harrell.

He attended Chesapeake Public Schools and graduated from George Washington Carver High School in 1961. He attended Norfolk State University before being drafted into the Army. Bert was in the Army and served in the Vietnam War. He received an Honorable Discharge from the Army but continued to stand proudly as a Veteran. He won the National Defense Service Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, The Army Commendation Medal, and two overseas bars. He was also a dedicated and faithful member of the Disabled American Veterans Association. Bert was also with the Prince Hall Mason Affiliate.

He was a member of Providence United Church of Christ until his health began to fail. He loved the Men’s Fellowship and looked forward to all their functions. He enjoyed Bible Study and Vacation Bible School as well. Bert also served loyally on the Deacon Board and served as chairman. He always had a song of praise in his heart and a prayer of thanksgiving.

Bert met and married his college sweetheart Gwendolyn Elaine Taylor and to their union, the Lord blessed them with one devoted son. 

Bert always had an entrepreneur spirit. He worked with his father Alexander Williams with Williams Fuel Oil Company. He also owned and operated his own car wash for some time. He was a Coastal Pharmaceutical Sales Representative for over 5 years. He was also employed with BAE Systems(Norshipco) and he worked in the Virginia Beach Public School System in the maintenance department for several schools.

Beautiful memories of Bert will always be cherished by his loving wife of 55 years, Gwendolyn Elaine Williams and his devoted son Eric Charles Williams, Sr, grandson Eric Charles Williams, Jr. brothers Reginald E. Williams(Delores) and Garland R Williams, Sr(Phyllis), sisters LaVerne Williams Lawton(Primus) and Cherita Williams Puryear(Eric), and aunts Betty Jean Hinton and Ethel F Johnson. Also, a host of relatives and friends will cherish his memory for years to come.

Through all his sickness , he never complained because he knew God had been good to him and was his healer!

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