Charles Allen Williams

Charles Allen Williams

Charlie Williams, a legendary leader in both the Terre Haute community and the Indiana Advertising industry, passed away on Monday, November 21, 2022. He was born November 12, 1948 in Terre Haute. Charlie is survived by his wife of 49 years and love of his life, Donna Williams; son Reese Williams, daughter Paige Kremer (David); brothers D. Russ (Patricia), and J. Scott (Armeen); sister-in-law Becky; brothers-in-law Allan Horney (MaryEllen), Mark Horney (Mary), and Glenn Horney (Pam); grandchildren, Riah, Rio (mother Jammie Blair), and Ruthie Kremer; business partner Gerry Randall; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Charlotte Williams, and his brother, Ken.

He was a graduate of the 1966 class of Garfield High.

In 1971, Charlie joined the Indiana Army National Guard, later transferring to the Air Force National Guard. During that time, he attended Defense Information School at Fort Benjamin Harrison. That training, along with his English degree from Indiana State University, prepared him well for his later career in advertising.

In 1979, Charlie founded Williams Company, an advertising agency which later became Williams Randall Advertising. He remained its president until his passing. It has grown to be one of the leading agencies in the state, employing staff in both Indianapolis and Terre Haute, and was twice named Indiana’s agency of the year by the Indiana Federation of Advertising Agencies. He was known by those who worked with him as a man of great integrity and remarkable talent. Integrity was also the foundational principle of his agency, and he used the phrase “Giving Advertising A Good Name” to embody that.

Charlie loved Terre Haute and frequently referred to it as “The Center of the Universe.” He had a passion for improving the city, and was a big supporter of his Alma Mater. He also held leadership roles with organizations such as the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, Rotary, Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, Vigo County Education Foundation, Country Club of Terre Haute, Leadership Terre Haute, the Terre Haute Symphony, the United Way, Downtown Terre Haute, Local Legends Walk of Fame, American Marketing Association of the Wabash Valley, Woodgate Association, the Tax Payers Association and many more. He was once named Terre Haute’s Small Businessperson of the Year by the Chamber and created Union Hospital’s inaugural public relations department. But his magnum opus was the Wabash Valley Riverscape project. He dedicated countless hours over many years to the project, and was justifiably proud of its positive impact on Terre Haute’s quality of life.

Charlie was a dedicated dad, and coached youth soccer, baseball and basketball when his children were young. His wife knew never to send him to the grocery store, because his interactions with people would seriously extend the shopping trip. A person of tremendous charisma, Charlie never met a stranger, and treated everyone with the greatest respect. And while Charlie might be remembered for his love of golf, neckties, landscaping and road trips, nothing compares to his love for family, friends and employees.

Thanks to Dr. Girish Kunapareddy and the many nurses who have been a wonderful support. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wabash Valley Riverscape, P.O. Box 205, West Terre Haute, IN 47885.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 AM., Wednesday, November 30, 2022 in St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1807 Poplar Street, with Father Ben Syberg officiating.  Burial will follow in Highland Lawn Cemetery.  Visitation is scheduled from 4:00-7:00 PM, Tuesday, Nov. 29 ^th in Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 South 25 ^th Street.  Funeral information and tributes may be found at www.callahanandhughes.com .