Charles Williams Obituary

Charles Edwin Williams

August 3, 1940 -

April 2, 2026

Charles Edwin "Eddie" Williams, a respected local businessman and dedicated public servant, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 2, leaving a legacy of hard work, integrity, and commitment to his community. Eddie was born on August 3, 1940, to Charles and Margaret (Shipp) Williams.

Eddie was well known throughout the county for his many years of service in both the public and private sectors. He faithfully served 11 years as Sullivan County Budget Director, where his steady leadership and careful stewardship of public resources earned the trust and respect of colleagues and citizens alike. He later continued in service as a County Commissioner, working 38 years to support the growth and well-being of the community he loved. He was instrumental in opening the Sullivan West Fire Department, First Responders where he served as treasurer. As budget director, Eddie and colleague Joe Minga saw the need and helped the county fund its first rescue squad. In 2022, Eddie Williams EMS Station #10 on Wilcox Court in Kingsport was dedicated in honor of his work to secure the site's land. He was a faithful member of Glen Alpine United Methodist Church serving as Sunday School teacher and in various leadership positions.

In addition to his public service, Eddie was a successful entrepreneur. For over 50 years, he owned and operated Brooks Circle Wrecker Service and several Exxon stations where he became a familiar face to countless customers. His dedication to honest work and quality service extended to The Body Shop and Hunt & Williams Auto Glass with his business partner and lifelong friend, Charles Hunt. He also partnered with friends Don Smith and Johnny Haynes in car dealerships throughout the years.

Eddie enjoyed spending time with his family, gathering with friends, farming, car racing, car shows, high school basketball, and college football. He will be remembered as a loyal friend, loving husband and father, and a faithful servant of God.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Tish (Hamblen) Williams. Children: Valerie (Clint) Hunt, Chuck (Beth) Williams, Elizabeth (Nathan) Bright. Grandchildren: CJ (Jessica) White, Rachel (Chip) Gordon, Nik (Nadalyn) Williams, Alex (Megan) Hunt, and Sam Bright. Great Grandchildren: Trinity White and Josie Gordon. Sister-in-law: Becky Hamblen. Niece: Hollie (Tommy) Brooks. Great Nephews: Henry Brooks and Manning Brooks.

The family will receive friends at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport, from 4-7pm on Monday, April 6, 2026.

Eddie will be laid to rest on Tuesday, April 7 at 11am in East Lawn Memorial Park with Rev. Rusty Taylor officiating, and a eulogy from Judge Ray Conkin.

Pallbearers are Sam Bright, Tommy Brooks, David Faust, Chip Gordon, Randy Gray, Alex Hunt, Neal Morrell, CJ White, and Nik Williams. Honorary Pallbearers are Mike Baldwin, Paul Chapman, Scott Cleek, Charles Hunt, Bobby Killin, Ray Smith, and Gordon Zollman.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Radiology Department at Holston Valley Hospital, especially Loren, Kiela, and Megan; Sullivan County EMS Convalescent Transport Services; Amedisys Hospice staff; Asbury Place Memory Care Center staff; and his loving caregivers Jill, Kaelyn, Charlie, Becca, and Teresa.

Donations in memory of Eddie Williams may be sent to Glen Alpine United Methodist Church, 3200 Glen Alpine Road, Kingsport, TN 37660, or the Sullivan West Fire Department, 113 Rosemont Street, Kingsport, Tn 37660.

Thank you to Hamlett Dobson Funeral Home for the care and service to the Williams family.

Visit www.hamlettdobson.com to leave online condolences.