Carl Chester Williams

Carl Chester Williams, 84, passed away on November 12, 2016, at his residence.
He was born on February 5, 1932, the son of the late John Everett and Velda Morgan Williams. Carl graduated from Victory High School in 1950 and then entered into the United States Navy for four years. In 1960, he graduated from West Virginia University with a bachelor degree in Education, then later earned his master’s degree in Education. Carl taught science at Gore Junior High School for 34 years.
Carl is survived by a sister, Barbara Ann Arnett of Clarksburg, and a niece, Ruth Ann Blair of Clarksburg, and many more nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Carl was preceded in death by four sisters, Dorothy Jacobs and three infants; three brothers, John, Jimmy and Ray Williams.
Carl’s happiest years of his life were spent with The Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was a member for over 50 years and secretary of Adamston IOOF Lodge 263; a member of the Ivy Rebekah Lodge 112 and Jurisdiction Encampment No. 200; Canton Tucker No. 8, Elkins, WV, Grand Patriarch 1970 – 71; Grand Encampment of WV IOOF; Grand Master 1978 of the Grand Lodge of WV IOOF; served as Sovereign Grand Master of the Sovereign Grand Lodge 1992. In 197 years, he is one of three persons from West Virginia to have served as Sovereign Grand Master. Carl was chairman for 34 years of the WV Odd Fellows Visual Research Committee; secretary for 34 years of the WV IOOF Grand Lodge Educational Fund; and is one of three honorees of the WV IOOF International Drill Team Association.