Charles "Charlie" Clayton Williams, Age: 82
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Aug 29, 1937---May 02, 2020

Charles “Charlie” Clayton Williams, 82 of Stilwell, Kansas passed away peacefully at home May 2, 2020.  He was born August 29, 1937 at home in Clarinda, Iowa to Charles Orel Williams and Zeta Estella (Clayton) Williams.  He attended school in Clarinda and graduated in 1956. 

On June 9, 1956 Charlie married Norma Ann Fine at the Methodist Church in Bedford, Iowa.  Three children were born, Betty Ann, Brian Charles and Keith James. 

In September 1956 Charlie and Norma moved to the Kansas City area.  Charlie went to work for Herb Millington Mobil Service Station at 75th and Holmes.  In February 1970 they founded Charlie Williams Import Car Center in Westwood, Kansas.  Charlie was a professional business man.  They retired in 2014. 

Charlie was a member of the Kiwanis Club of South Kansas City.  He joined the Kansas City Region Sports Car Club in 1964 and was a lifetime member.  He won the “Concourse de Elegance” car show three years in a row.  He was a corner worker, tech inspector and competed in several gymkhanas. 

Charlie was a nationally known race mechanic and engine builder involved in road racing for 40 some years.  He built engines for amateur racing, pro series racing and had an engine in the 1995 IMSA Daytona 24 Hour race.  He was honored as Mechanic of the Year by Kansas City Region SCCA four times.  He was the USAC Engine Builder of the Year in 1991 and his engines were SCCA National champions in 1978 and 1990.  Charlie was known for his attention to detail and his friendly attitude toward both clients and competitors. 

In 1975 Charlie presented to Lisle Corporation in Clarinda, Iowa a drawing of a spark plug wire puller he designed.  With his help Lisle’s made the tool, and in the first ten years they sold over 44,000.  Charlie had piston rings and special FF springs made to his unique design by Hastings Manufacturing Company. 

Charlie was preceded in death by his father Orel, mother Zeta, brother Ronald Williams and grandson Henry Carson Williams. 

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Norma,  daughter Betty (Carl) Ruckman, Lee’s Summit, MO and their children, Anna (Matt) Mosakowski and Natalie Ruckman,  son Brian (Jennifer) Williams, Spring Hill, KS and their children, Brittney, Seven, Indigo and Lorenzo Williams,  son Keith (Cheryl) Williams, Stilwell, KS and their children Max, Charlie and Isabella Williams,  great grandchildren, Osiris, Azazel and Emerald Williams,  brother Leroy (Jerri) Alexander of Big Cabin, OK,  sister-in-law Betty (David) Wyckoff of Bella Vista, AR and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Memorial gifts can be made to St Luke’s Hospice, Stilwell Methodist Church or charity of your choice.  Private family burial in Aubry Cemetery, Stilwell, KS.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

 


Condolences

Amy Walsh May 06, 2020

A friend of Betty's ,Raymore ,Missouri

I am so sorry for your loss.

Douglas Hamer May 07, 2020

Friend ,Prairie Village ,Kansas

My heart stopped at top dead center today as I read Charlie's obituary My condolences go out to the entire Williams family. I was lucky enough to work for Charlie right out of college in the second half of the 70's. Not only was he a fine gentleman to work for but also a good friend. For me he will never be gone. He will always live on in me and if I continue to work very hard perhaps I too can become the man he was. Rest in peace my old friend.

Sonja bornheimer May 07, 2020

Friend of Betty ,Belton ,Missouri

Sorry to hear of your loss. Know you are in thoughts and prayers. He sounds like a wonderful man. I remember a car tip you once gave me. It must have come from him.

Jim Wheeler May 07, 2020

friend and fellow SCCA member ,Lenexa ,Kansas

Charlie was a true gentleman and a valuable asset to anyone who raced, especially those of us in SCCA. He and Norma were the heart and soul of the Kansas City Region of SCCA for many decades. He will be missed.

Michael Evans May 07, 2020

Family friend ,Houston ,Texas

I am so sorry to learn of Charlie's death. My deepest sympathy to your family. He was always kind and supportive to me, and I enjoyed time with your family when i was in High School. I will always remember my white Spitfire that he rebuilt so I could have a car in college. Sending love and warm memories to help you in your grief.

Jeff Jordan May 07, 2020

Friend ,Shawnee

One of the finest gentlemen I have ever known.

Tari Callaghan Benne May 07, 2020

Friend ,Lees Summit ,Missouri

Met Charlie when he sponsored my husband in the Formula Vee searies and Formula Fords thru SCCA! I remember a very kind and patient and very smart man! Charlie And Norma came to JimCallaghans and my wedding back in 78! Norma so sorry to hear of your loss! You had a great one there! Peace be with you!

Bill Nees May 07, 2020

Friend ,LENEXA ,Kansas

I was so sorry to hear the news of Charlie's passing. He was one of the finest men I have ever know.

Mike Quigley May 08, 2020

Friend ,Citrus Springs ,Florida

Liz and I want to extend our sympathies to the family. Charlie was a great guy and we were so fortunate to know him and travel to races to watch the boys race. Although he will be missed it is truly a life worth celebrating.

David L. Woolpert May 08, 2020

Friend ,Sun City ,Arizona

Norma and family.. I was sadden hear of Charlie's passing. The world lost not only a master mechanic but a wonderful human being and true gentleman. I first met Charlie in 1968 when he was doing import car repair at the Mobil service. At the time I owned an Austin A40 and Charlie was the only one that I could find to repair it! Over the course of many years I own several different import cars that Charlie always took care of. I also always enjoyed talking with him at the SCCA races while working with Leaping Lizards corner crew! I know he will be truly missed by all......