C.L. Williams, husband of Katie Gipson Williams, died Monday, May 1, 2017, at his home.
Born Oct. 3, 1948, in the Pyland area of Clarendon County, he was the second of six sons born to the late George and Sarah "Gallie" Green Williams. He was orphaned at the age of 9 when both his parents died within months of each other.
The ensuing years left him without the love and support of both his maternal grandparents and his paternal grandmother, all of whom passed away by the time he was 15. C.L. and his brothers were left to the care and benevolence of extended family.
He attended Clarendon County public schools. He worked, in his youth, in Thomasville, North Carolina, in the furniture industry, and in Washington, D.C., on the Metro Railway system.
After returning home to South Carolina, he was employed for 23 years with Yuasa-Exide, until he was medically retired.
He then went on to enjoy retirement as the neighborhood CEO of Shade Tree Mechanics. He was also an Uber driver before there ever was an Uber.
C.L. was affable, outgoing, quick-witted, and maintained many lifelong friendships. He was quick to offer a hand to those who needed it and many often remarked about how kind-hearted he was.
C.L. was a member of St. Phillip Union Methodist Episcopal Church and came to confess his faith and belief in the Lord Jesus Christ during his extended illness. He was a zealous member until his worsening condition prevented him from attending.
Survivors besides his loving and devoted wife of 46 years include his children, Jenniferr (Leonarde) Cain of Columbia, James Williams of the home and Sharon (Wayne) Madhlangobe of Sumter; a brother, James (Priscilla) Williams of Thomasville; seven grandchildren, Justin Williams, Lendrianna Cain, Cameron Cain, Chance Cain, Shayne Madhlangobe, Ainsley Madhlangobe and Grant Madhlangobe; a cousin raised in the same home, Robert Lee Williams; five additional sisters-in-law, Wanda Gipson, Jean Parker, Lynn Gibson, Veleda (Lee) Sigler and Terrie (Duwayne) Brown; five brothers-in-law, Nathaniel Gipson, Emanuel (Elaine) Gipson, James (Michelle) Gipson, Anthony Gipson and Gannon Thompson; special and devoted friends, Richard and Mary Pearson; eight nieces; 13 nephews; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by four brothers, Bernell, George Lee, Elder (LD) and Elijah (Mickey) Williams; a sister, Tiny Lincoln; and a granddaughter, Kailey Madison Hughes.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, May 5, 2017, at St. Phillip UME Church in Pinewood, with Pastor Patrice Dow officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
The casket will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. Friday, for viewing until the hour of services.
The family will receive friends at the home, 535 Sierra St. in Sumter.
Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuary@sc.rr.com, or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary.net.
Job's Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St. in Sumter, is in charge of arrangements.
