Pastor Charles Samuel Williams

It is with deep sorrow and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Pastor Charles S. Williams, who was called home to be with the Lord on May 20, 2025 at the age of 78. A Homegoing Celebration will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Bible Based Fellowship Church, 4811 Ehrlich Road, Tampa, FL 33624, with Reverend Anthony C. White and Dr. Antonio R. Hawkins, Pastor of Exciting Faith Alive Church, Tampa, FL, Eulogist.  Saturday, May 31, 2025, 11:00 AM at Exciting Faith Alive Church, 5705 E. 32nd Avenue, Tampa, FL 3361 with Dr. Antonio R. Hawkins.  Interment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery, 4615 E. Hanna Avenue, Tampa, FL 33610.

Pastor Williams was born in Bridgeton, New Jersey on September 6, 1946 to Hattie Mae Adams-Nichols and raised by his Grandparents, Essie Mae Walker and Fred Walker and siblings to Bruce Nichols (Deborah Covington), Victor Randolph Nichols, Essie Mae Banks, and Judy Nichols. In 1978, Charles Williams met the love of his life, Betty J. Williams, and the two were united in holy matrimony on September 6, 1980.

Shortly thereafter, Charles graduated from Reading Community College and Reading Bible Institute. Their 44-year marriage was a testament to faith, love, and partnership. Together, they raised a beautiful family and served side by side in ministry, spreading the Gospel and touching lives across the United States for more than 30 years. He established Northwest Neighborhood Ministries, ‘The Center’, in Reading, Pennsylvania, a facility providing a safe haven for the inner-city youth to receive mentoring and life skills for over 15 years. With his wife, Betty J. Williams, he built Visions Employment Services, a staffing agency in the heart of Pennsylvania, securing employment for thousands in the community with major corporations and provided job skills supporting the economic independence for individuals and families. He owned and operated C. Williams Painting, using his artistry to paint interior and exterior properties fully providing for his growing family. He faithfully served as a pastor in Reading, Pennsylvania for over 30 years at Fresh Start Ministries Church of God in Christ. Pastor Charles S. Williams and his wife, Betty J. Williams, felt led by the Lord to move to Tampa, FL where they began Fresh Start Ministries of Tampa, Inc. in Tampa, Florida. He served as an Elder at Bible Based Church and Exciting Faith Alive Church in Tampa for over 30 years and pastored his church, Fresh Start Ministries Tampa, Inc. Throughout his ministry, Pastor Williams was known for his powerful sermons, dedication to prison ministries and his heart for planting a seed for salvation in Jesus Christ. He was dedicated to transforming the lives of women impacted by incarceration through spiritual enrichment. In true form, Pastor Williams was the embodiment of Ezekiel 34:16, “I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up [that which was] broken, and will strengthen that which was sick”, and Luke 4:18, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” 

Pastor Williams was used as the voice of the Lord to call authenticity and identity out from all who would hear to awaken to their senses and realize who they are, a child of God (2 Timothy 2:26). As one unified spirit of ministry, Pastor Williams alongside his wife, Betty Williams, dedicated their lives guiding countless souls to Christ Jesus and founded several programs such as “Beyond The Gates Prison Ministry”, trauma-informed therapy and strategic adaptive planning interventions with BW-Focus and Victory Village, which is a transformational community of residential homes providing women returning from incarceration with a safe environment fostering healing, skill development and economic independence. Throughout this ministry, Pastor Charles Williams has touched lives in every Florida state prison and several work release centers and work camps for women.

Pastor Charles was a pastor and father figure everywhere he went, the basketball court, the gym, the grocery store, the parking lot or community event. His love for God was evident in every aspect of his life. His passion for God’s Word, his unwavering faith, and his compassionate heart left an indelible impact on everyone who knew him. His mentorship and love were so genuine, he was better known as

Mr. Charles, ‘Ice Cream’ “Papa Charles” or “Pops”. Like a “Papa”, he listened when people just needed to talk and he looked beyond their trauma, anger and mistakes. Like a Papa, he nonchalantly poured in the never-ending unconditional love of Jesus Christ. Like a Papa he loved. Like a Papa he was loved. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, heleads out the prisoners with singing... Psalm 68:5-6. You could always hear him say, “It’s not me, it’s him. That’s just the love of God upon MY life.” Pastor Williams has a host of family, friends, spiritual sons and daughters and church family who will miss him dearly. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, hope, and love that will continue to inspire generations.

He is preceded in death by: Kevin Williams (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) and Deborah Williams (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).

Pastor Charles Williams is survived by: his loving wife, Betty J. Williams; his children, Terri Williams (Orlando, Florida), Brenda Williams (Reading, Pennsylvania), Donica Williams (Tampa, Florida), Eric Williams (Meridian, Connecticut); his 22 Grandchildren; his 19 Great Grandchildren; 2 Great-Great Grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, all are welcomed to make donations to honor the continuation of the legacy of Pastor Charles S. Williams and Fresh Start Ministries of Tampa, Inc., via cash app $FSTAMPA or PayPal Freshstart Tampa.

We give thanks for the life and legacy of Pastor S. Williams and rejoice in the knowledge that he has entered into the joy of his master.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Bible Based Fellowship Church, 4811 Ehrlich Road, Tampa, FL 33624

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners.

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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