Charlie V. Williams

September 30, 1928 - January 30, 2008

Mr. Charlie V. Williams, 79, beloved husband of the late Jean Whitwell Williams, and a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, died Wednesday, January 30, 2008 Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation at Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4900 Airline Drive, Metairie, Louisiana, on Saturday, February 2, from 1 - 3 p.m. Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery. A native of Maury County, he was the son of the late Arch Vestal Williams and the late Macie Twomey Williams. He was married to the former Jean Whitwell Williams, who passed away in July 2007 and was the love of his life for 57 years. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army, and he worked for the U. S. Government for more than 30 years as a Border Patrol Officer and Immigration Inspector. Charlie was recognized during his career by President John Kennedy for his service with the Border Patrol; guarding James Meredith during the integration of Ole Miss, and for his work during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Toward the end of Charlies career, he spent time in Southeast Asia processing refugees on the Thailand-Cambodian border. He was instrumental in arranging transportation for many children seeking treatment at the Shriners Hospital. He was a member of the Shriners Jerusalem Temple and active in the Masonic Lodge. Charlie served as president of the Fraternal Order of Retired Border Patrol Officers, and during the last few years, he and Jean enjoyed traveling across the country to visit friends at FORBPO conventions. He is survived by his children, Donna Woitha, Vicki Burns, Terri Hooper Alison, Valerie Curlee; grandchildren, Jordan Hooper, Evan Woitha, Justin Hooper, Carly Woitha, Amelia Burns, Jenna Hooper, Samantha Burns, Melissa Curlee, and Michael Curlee. He was preceded in death by a son, Charles Michael Williams; a sister, Beatrice Williams Massey. He was the unofficial Dad and Gramps to many others, especially at Miley Playground, quick with a 10K or bag of Skittles. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Nica Hope, a nonprofit organization, co-founded by his grandson, Jordan, to provide aid and vocational training in Nicaragua, (www.nicahope.org) or to the National Border Patrol Museum, El Paso, TX, (www.borderpatrolmuseum.com). Online obituary at www.mem.com. Condolences may also be sent to the family at www.heritage-fhcs.com. Heritage Funeral Home & Cremation Services LLC is in charge of local announcements.