WILMINGTON — Robert “Earl” Williams, 76, went to his heavenly home Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, after a long battle with dementia. He was born March 13, 1943, in Conway, South Carolina.
Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his father, Percy Williams; mother, Lizzie German Williams; granddaughter, Megan Farmer Tysinger; and grandson, Christopher Jared Farmer.
Mr. Williams is survived by his wife, Charlotte Chinn Williams; and daughters, Sarah Williams Farmer (Christopher) of Shallotte, Lorrie Williams Vann (Curtiss) of Castle Hayne and Renee Smith Britt (Edwin) of Wilmington. Mr. Williams was very proud of his beloved grandchildren, Robert Neil Williams, Savannah, Keeley-Shea, Claire-Emma Britt, Lindzey and Kaitlyn Tysinger, Haley Farmer, June Williams, Harley, Cassie and Traci Vann.
Earl was one of 11 children who grew up in the Tabor City area. Several of the siblings migrated to the Virginia area to work in the shipyards. His siblings who preceded him in death were Wallace “Willie” Williams (Margaret), Christine Williams, Billy Joe Williams, Pete Williams (Mary), Betty Laws (Shelton) and Peggy Nealy (Harvey). His surviving siblings are Martha Ward (Arnold) of Tabor City, Linda Croft (Jimmy) of Aynor, Dian Goins (Frank) of Leland and Sandra Updike (H.P.) of Newport News, Virginia.
Earl’s life was enriched by the many beloved nieces, nephews and close friends. He cherished each of those special relationships.
Earl was a proud Army veteran, where he ranked as a drill sergeant. He spent his service in many areas, but he often spoke of his time in Fort Knox and in Greenland. Earl had many accomplishments in life and business. A few of his most notable include his time spent in service with the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Association. His tenure as president afforded him many opportunities to minister in his community and across the state. He also was very proud of his involvement in the development of Believers Destiny Church, again working to share the love and glory of his Lord.
Earl was the owner of Hy-Speed Cleaning Products and proud of the business he built and maintained to support his family as well as members of the community. Earl used the business as a beacon for what faith and love in the Lord could do. His success in business can be directly attributed to his work ethic and his tenacity in sales. His attention to detail was legendary. He took pride in the fact that he always left his customers satisfied.
The love of classic cars occupied Earl’s spare time in later years. His nickname “the Duke of Earl” was pegged from his first and most favorite car. He was a member of Suncoast Cruisers and enjoyed the time he spent with friends and admiring classic cars.
The family would like to acknowledge the loving caregivers who were such an important part of his last years. Sheila Simpson, Rose McBee, Judy and Dawn Powell.
Services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday Sept. 23, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m., at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel. A graveside service will follow in Oakdale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Earl would be honored if donations would be sent to the Novant Health Foundation.
Share online condolences with the family at Andrews Mortuary & Crematory.
