Williams, Chapman Gene

On the evening of April 18, 2025, surrounded by his loving family in Tampa, Florida, Gene Williams peacefully passed away at the age of 85. A devoted husband for 63 years, a beloved father and grandfather, and a man of deep faith—Gene lived a life rooted in love, service, and purpose.

Born in February 1940 in Hoges Chapel, Virginia, Gene was the cherished son of Chapman Lacey Williams and Maude Lake Sarver. After graduating from Pembroke High School in 1959, Gene married the love of his life, Annette, later that October. Their journey together would span continents and decades, beginning in Mount Vernon, Virginia, where they welcomed their daughter Merinda in 1962, followed by their son Mark in 1965.

In 1968, Gene’s career led the young family overseas to Bangkok, Thailand, where he began his work with the CIA. After four years, they moved to Taipei, Taiwan for another three years before settling in Centreville, Virginia—where Gene raised his family and remained until his retirement in 1995. His career gave him the chance to travel widely, exploring many countries throughout Europe and Asia during the late 1960s and early ’70s.

Wherever life took him, Gene poured his heart into his community, especially in the lives of young athletes. While in Taiwan, he was instrumental in shaping youth sports, co-founding the Taiwan American Youth Football League and building the first youth sports fields in the Grass Mountain area. He received the TDYAC award for his dedicated service and was a passionate coach for both baseball and football.

Back in Centreville, his commitment to youth sports only deepened. Gene coached countless teams and played a key role in bringing Little League Baseball to the Southwestern Youth Association (SYA). He spearheaded the creation of the Carlbern Sports Complex in the County Club Manor neighborhood—complete with baseball fields, a playground, and a concession stand—leaving a legacy that continues to bring joy to children and families.

Upon retiring to Valrico, Florida in 1995, Gene became an active member of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church. In the late ’90s, he and Reverend JC began volunteering for church maintenance—an effort that grew into the group affectionately known as “3 Men and a Preacher” (3MAAP). What began as four men grew into a cherished community of over 15 who gather weekly for fellowship and service.

Above all else, Gene was a man of unwavering faith, fierce love for his family, and a gentle strength that made him a rock to those around him.

He is survived by his daughter Merinda Wolfe and son Mark Williams, along with his grandchildren: Christina Wolfe, Elizabeth Wolfe, Jordyn Williams, and Kaitlyn Williams. He was preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter Peyton Williams. Gene was the youngest of seven siblings, and was preceded by his brothers, Clarance and Arnold, and his sisters, Lucille Hilton, Mary Dowdy, Peggy Day, and Freddie Marie.

A celebration of Gene’s remarkable life will be held at 10 a.m. on May 10 (Visitation will begin at 9 a.m.) at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, 3315 S Bryan Rd, Brandon, FL 33511. Friends and family may also pay their respects on May 9 from 4–6 p.m. at Stowers Funeral Home, 401 West Brandon Boulevard.

A second service honoring both Gene and Annette will take place in Pembroke, Virginia, on May 31 at Kendall Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. service, after which Gene and Annette will be laid to rest together at Birchlawn Burial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Gene’s memory to St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church – 3 Men and a Preacher.