Charles Fredrick Willms, 84, passed away September 14, 2013. Born in Hudson County, NJ, on June 28, 1929, he was the son of the late Sadie and Fredrick Willms.
An award winning rifleman, Charles served in the US National Guard, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Master Sergeant. Charles attended NJ Institute of Technology where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering. A registered professional engineer, he was a member of the Tau Beta Phi National Engineering Honor Society, Phi Tau Sigma, ASME, CGA, IAC, US TAG, and served as technical director of the FSSA, and chairman of the NFPA. Charles worked as Director of Engineering for Fire Protections Systems for Walter Kidde, in NC, and was then self-employed as a Product Liability Consultant for fire protection products. He enjoyed playing the drums and spending time with his family.
Charles was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Maryann E. Willms. He is survived by his loving daughter, Beverly, of Raleigh, NC; son, Roger, and his wife, Melinda, of Charlotte; grandchildren, Dean and Madolyn, of Charlotte; brother, Fred Willms, of NJ; and several nieces and nephews.
Services
21
Sep
Service
Raleigh Memorial Park7501 Glenwood Avenueraleigh, NC27612
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Words cannot fully capture the profound protective spirit, centered presence, and strength that Charles Willms embodied for his family. He was a talented drummer, an intellectual genius, and a visionary engineer, whose remarkable insights and grounded demeanor left an indelible mark on all who knew him. His memories will forever remain etched in our hearts, serving as a timeless reminder of his love and influence. You have left beautiful gifts behind. Rest peacefully~
February 09, 2021
John B
Mr. Willms was a man with superior intelligence and character, who's wisdom, gifts and clarity was passed on. Enjoyed his humor and many discussions with him. Condolences to his beautiful family and friends.
September 01, 2020
Hayden Piver
Keep your head up Dean. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
September 01, 2020
Chase Currier
Dear Willms family,
I give my deepest condolences to your family. I hope the Lord will comfort you in your time of grievance. I also hope the Lord will bless Dean with good health so that he can come back to school. He is deeply missed.
Sincerely, Chase Currier
September 01, 2020
Nick Isaac
Dean,
Just want to say sorry for the loss, we have been praying for you. We will continue to pray for you and your family. Also I hope you get well soon with your sickness!
September 01, 2020
Nigel Liu
Dean, i am sorry or your loss, and hope you can get better soon.we will pray for you.
September 01, 2020
Kara Richardson
Dean I am so sorry about your grandfather. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I know what it's like to lose a grandfather, and it's rough. Can't wait for you to return back at school with us! 🙂
September 01, 2020
Katherine Queen
Hey Dean! Just wanted to let you know that we ALL have been praying for you and will continue to pray for you and your family! We love you!
September 01, 2020
Alicia Counihan
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. In His Service, Mrs. Counihan
September 01, 2020
Kathy Sullivan
Roger, Melinda, Dean, Madolyn and Bev,
I'm so sorry for your loss and hope that the memories you have will help you through this tough time.
My memory of your dad was in his tux- he seemed to be off to play in his band so often. He was a fun guy to be around and he obviously brought his children up to be wonderful people.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
September 01, 2020
Dale M Wood
Please know that we, your teachers and the Carmel family, are praying for your family- that you would all know God's presence and comfort during this time or bereavement.
September 01, 2020
Adrienne Young
Dear Dean,
Please know that your Carmel family is praying for you all, and we love you dearly. As you reflect on the awesome moments you shared with your Grandfather, I pray for comfort to come in the midst of tears.
With Sincerity,
Mrs. Young
Director of College Placement
Carmel Christian School
September 01, 2020
fc
Even though I did not know Charles personally, I really wanted to express my condolences to you and your family. Gods word the bible speaks of a time when death will be a thing of the past. Revelation 21:3, 4 is a comforting scripture that I wanted to share with you during your time of sadness.
September 01, 2020
Marianna Mata
Dear Willms family,
I am so sorry for lost. I'm sure that that is something you have heard a lot these last couple of days and I'm sure you will hear it for a long to come. I pray that you will have a calmness of heart, mind and spirit during this time and that you are able to see the goodness in this dark time.
I would like to attach a scripture verse that has brought me solace during family losses.
There is a time for everything,and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet[a] no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toilthis is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it
You are in my prayers.
-Marianna Mata
September 01, 2020
Ethan Pugh
Hey dean, I just want you to know that I am praying for not only peace, but a sense of comfort through your loss. In a way I have experienced the same thing with my father. It hurts, and I know that it is so hard to understand why. But I just want you to know I pray that you will understand the Lord is with you wherever you go, he is with you in your state of joy, and your state of mourning. It is so cool to see how the Lord can turn hard times and death into a blessing to draw His children back to Him and draw them closer to Him. You and your family are in my prayers Dean.
-Ethan
September 01, 2020
M
Sent a gift in memory of Charles Fredrick Willms
September 01, 2020
B
Lit a candle in memory of Charles Fredrick Willms
September 01, 2020
Lorelei Beightol
Dear Willms Family,
I pray for comfort and peace in your time of mourning. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4- Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Lorelei Beightol, Dean's Teacher at CCS
September 01, 2020
Madeline Cannon
Dean, we are all praying for you and your family's loss during this time. I hope you receive comfort in time. We are also praying that you feel better.
September 01, 2020
Ryan Alderman
Hey Dean. I know you're struggling right but I promise it will be ok. I remember when my grandfather passed, it was the first time I'd ever been to a funeral. It was really difficult for me but I think I learned a lot as well. I promise, it will all be ok. From what you have said about your grandfather, I'm sure he was a great man. Just try to remember the good things. Be good, see you soon.
September 01, 2020
Brian Hobbs
Just stay strong. Remember everything happens for a reason.
Hope you feel better 🙂
September 01, 2020
TJ Morgan
Dear Dean
I am sorry this happened but I believe that this happened for a reason. God has a plan and this was apart of it. Keep strong and know that God is with you always and we are here for you.
September 01, 2020
Kevin Honbarger
Dean, You are in our thoughts and prayers and we pray that you will find strength in your family as you are together and know that we are waiting for you when you return. May God bless and keep you in His perfect care.
Mr. H
September 01, 2020
MC Avey
Hey Dean,
I just wanted to let you know that we have been praying for you! I pray that God grants you peace and comfort through this time. I also hope that you are feeling better. We miss you!
-MC Avey
September 01, 2020
Katherine Southard
Hello Dean. I hope you are feeling better. I have been praying for you. I pray that God gives you peace and comfort. I can't wait to see you back at school.
-KaSu
September 01, 2020
Kristin Wilkins
Dean, I am so sorry for your loss. I have been praying and will continue praying for you and your family through this hard time. I also hope that you will begin feeling better soon.
September 01, 2020
Katie Petersen
Dean,
We are all praying for you at school! We hope that the Lord holds you in his hands, heals you, and comforts you during this time.
Praying for and thinking of you,
Katie Petersen
September 01, 2020
Lauren Hunter
Dear Dean, We have all been praying for you and your family this week at school. I hope that you have started to heal from your past sickness! I also want you to know that we have been praying for you and your family's loss. You have been deeply missed here at school. I hope you have a relaxing weekend.
Blessings,
Lauren Hunter
September 01, 2020
Gert & Paula Kuehnel
So sorry to hear about your father. We all feel your loss.
September 01, 2020
Anna Grace
Dean,
I am so sorry that you are grieving the loss of your grandfather. I am praying peace and comfort over you and your family. You have many people here at school who care for you,and are here for you if you need to talk. The Lord is close to the broken and saves those who are crushed in spirit. God has purpose in the times of suffering. CCS misses you Dean, and can't wait to see you back at school. Enjoy this precious time with your family. I hope you make sweet memories in remembrance of your grandfather!
Anna Grace
September 01, 2020
Katie Brailsford
My dearest Dean,
I know you are having a tough time with the loss of your grandfather.. Death should be feared. But we have Jesus with us, so there is no need to fear for it. I will be praying for you and your family. I know you have been sick as well, so I will do my best to come and help you with any work you need the help on. I miss you and I hope you and your family knows, I love your family and I am here for you and Madolyn. I consider you guys my family as well.
With love,
Katie B.
September 01, 2020
T. Currier
While I did not know Charles Fredrick directly, I am not surprised by his intelligence and commitment to honor community and service both professionally and militarily. His grandson, Dean, has been blessed by this lineage. His legacy lives on... Do know that I will be praying, Roger, for you in the loss of your father along with my forever one, Dean, and the loss of his Grandfather. May both the sweetness and the challenges of the relationship inspire you and the rest of the family closer to His image. Rest in peace, Mr. Willms. Your journey is complete. With great love, T./Mrs. Currier
September 01, 2020
Jack Kelley
I am so sorry about the passing your loved one. I trust the Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior will provide a peace and comfort that passes all understanding.
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