Charles was born June 29, 1932 in Washington, D.C., the only child of Charles Haddon Williams and Kathryne Passailaigue Williams. He was raised in Washington and earned a B.S. from the University of Maryland and a PhD in Biochemistry from Duke University. While doing post-doctoral work in Sheffield, UK, he met his wife of 61 years, Angela Murison (Small) Williams. Together they settled in Ann Arbor, MI where Charles worked for the V.A. doing basic research as well as serving as a Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Michigan. They raised two sons, Stephen Charles Williams and Patrick Timothy Williams.
Charles was devoted to his work on enzymes that contain vitamin B2 and to Science in general. He studied enzymes containing versions of vitamin B2 that are involved with crucial functions in maintaining protein structure, providing reducing equivalents for the production of the bases in DNA, and for the function of mitochondria in cells. He collaborated with scientists from England, Germany, and Italy. He and Angela, frequently accompanied by Stephen and Patrick, made many trips to these countries, especially the UK, and they maintained deep ties to family and friends there.
Charles was a lifelong Episcopalian and was a founding member of St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church in Ann Arbor. He and Angela lived in Ann Arbor continuously starting in 1963, and in their current house on Longshore Drive since 1964. Charles loved the setting, enjoyed the constant stream of birds and other wildlife outside, and was particularly fond of the view from the living room window in the winter when the bare trees allow one to see the bend in the Argo Pond section of the Huron River.
He is survived by his wife, Angela, his sons, Stephen and Patrick, and his son-in-law, Robert Cohen.
There will be a memorial service followed by light refreshments on:
Monday, November 27 at 3:00 p.m.
St Aidan's Episcopal Church
1679 Broadway
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
We are also planning a drop-in Wake/Celebration of Charles's life: date TBA, probably March, 2024
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to:
Arbor Hospice https://arborhospice.org/donate/
Shelter Association of Washtenaw County. https://www.annarborshelter.org/donation-options
You may share a memory or leave a message for Charles' family using the form below. Please allow up to 24 hours us to review and post your comments.