Henry “Charley” Williams, a beloved husband, father, brother, educator, coach, veteran, and mentor, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025, in Lancaster, California, at the age of 85. His life was one of profound service, adventurous spirit, and unwavering dedication to students, athletes, and young leaders across California and beyond.
Born on Christmas Day in 1939 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Charley’s early years were shaped by movement and resilience. In 1944, his family relocated to San Pedro, California, following his father’s enlistment in the U.S. Navy. Charley and his mother lived in various housing developments throughout San Pedro, Wilmington, and Compton, experiences that would form the foundation of his grit and character. His lively and mischievous nature as a child was legendary, he often recalled with humor the time he stopped delivering teacher notes pinned to his overalls because they always resulted in a spanking, or the day he tried to sneak onto a cousin’s school bus just to attend their “fun, hands-on” class.
Charley continued his education at Richard Henry Dana Jr. High, Enterprise Jr. High, and graduated from Centennial High School in Compton on June 4, 1958. A gifted athlete, he earned a full scholarship to Southern University in Louisiana, but returned to California after just ten days due to the harsh reality of cultural segregation in the South.
On November 14, 1958, Charley enlisted in the United States Army, serving with distinction until 1962, primarily in Friedberg, Germany, and earning multiple commendations. Upon returning, he worked construction in Palmdale with his father, Johnny Williams, until his father urged him to fulfill a promise to return to school, a pivotal moment Charley credited as life-changing.
Charley enrolled at Antelope Valley Junior College, working in the Sears & Roebuck executive training program while attending classes. He later transferred to Eastern Montana College (now MSUB) in Billings on a football scholarship. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education (1967) and later a Master of Science in Education with an option in Guidance and Counseling (1971). A remarkable three-sport athlete, he earned All-Frontier Conference honors in football, competed in track and basketball, and was inducted into the MSUB Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010.
Returning to California, “Mr. Williams” spent 31 years at Antelope Valley High School in Lancaster, teaching U.S. History, government, sociology, and physical education. He also coached football, baseball, track, and volleyball, and for his last nine years, served as the ASB Leadership Advisor, becoming the voice of AVHS athletics by announcing varsity football and basketball games. He retired on June 6, 2000, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration.
Charley’s impact extended far beyond the classroom. For over a decade, he served on staff at the California Association of Directors of Activities (CADA) Summer Leadership Camps, mentoring student leaders from across the state at California State University, Santa Barbara. Known affectionately by peers and campers alike his train-whistle signal became the familiar call that it was time to begin. As Ron Ippolito beautifully said:
“‘Sweet’ Charley was such a big part of the heart and soul of the CADA Leadership Camp program. You knew that it was time to begin a meeting when Charley would make his signature train whistle sound.”
Charley was inducted into the CADA Hall of Fame, in honor of his unwavering contributions to youth leadership development. One of his most unforgettable moments came at the 2010 CADA Convention, themed “The Spirit of New Orleans” and hosted by Past President Cindy Bader, where Charley served as the closing emcee, delighting the audience with a heartfelt performance as Louis Armstrong, leading them in a powerful rendition of “What a Wonderful World.”
Outside of education and leadership, Charley was a man of many talents. In the 1960s, he explored acrylic painting, and by 1970, became an accomplished woodturner, creating intricate inlaid pieces and sculptures. He was a proud member of the Antelope Valley Woodturners Association. Charley also loved quick coastal getaways and exploring the United States with his family.
Charley was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny Williams (1916–2006) and Louella Jones Williams (1917–1966), whom he always credited as his greatest champions.
He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Williams; devoted daughter, Shannon Williams; sister, Christelle Yvonne Knox and her family; and his cherished adopted family: Hector, Ana, Christian, and Andrew Gonzalez.
Charley’s life was defined by kindness, humor, humility, and wisdom. He made every student feel seen, every colleague feel valued, and every gathering just a little more joyful. He leaves behind a legacy of leadership, laughter, and love.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Charley’s life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Grace Chapel in Lancaster, California.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the K.I.N.D. Fund so Charley’s commitment to service and leadership may continue to inspire generations to come.