Laconia-----Charles “Chuck” H. Williams III, 60, of 73 Fenton Ave. died on Thursday, December 31, 2015 in his home after a long illness.
Chuck was born on July 24 1955 in Laconia, the son of Charles H. Williams Jr. and Mary A. (Lewis) Williams. He was a lifelong resident of Laconia.
Chuck was a Firefighter/ EMT for the Laconia Fire Department for twenty six years retiring in 2000. Remembered by former Laconia Fire Chief Rick Judkins as having a great sense of humor and a special gift of being able to communicate fire safety procedures to school children. The teachers and students in the elementary schools of the City knew him as “Firefighter Chuckie”. Judkins further remembers Chuck as a “true hero”. Without regard for his personal safety, Firefighter Williams entered a second floor window of a house fire in the South End to rescue a child reported to be in an upstairs bedroom. The smoke and fire conditions were intense and those who witnessed the event including Judkins did not believe Chuck would emerge from that building alive. Seconds later Firefighter Williams stepped out onto the porch roof holding a small child in his arms, Chuck was highly recognized and decorated for his selfless act. Chuck also enjoyed playing the guitar, skiing and music and had a 2nd degree black belt in martial arts. He was a member of Faith Alive Church in Laconia.
Survivors include two daughters, Jennifer L. Schwalb and her husband, Joshua of Northwood and Ashley M. Buchanan and her husband, Kaleionamoku of Vancouver, WA, a grandchild, Kaheana Buchanan, of Vancouver, WA, two sisters, Donna M. Davison and her husband George, of Laconia and Brenda L. Morin and her husband, Bob, of Effingham, one nephew, three nieces, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his parents.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 7, 2016 from 2PM to 4PM and from 6PM to 8PM at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia NH using the Carriage House entrance.
A Funeral Service will immediately follow the calling hours at 8PM also at the Funeral Home.
For those who wish, the family suggests that memorial donations may be made to the Laconia Fire Department-Life Safety Fund, 848 N. Main Street, Laconia NH 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH is assisting the family with the arrangements.