Charles Williams

Charles Allen “Coach” Williams, 81, of Fort Dodge, IA, died Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Grandview Care Center in Dayton, IA. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family. Arrangements are with Historic Bruce Funeral Home of Fort Dodge. 

Charles was born the first child of Newton “Newt” and Bessie (Trotter) Williams on March 9, 1944, in Arkansas. Charles attended school in Fort Dodge and lettered in Varsity football, basketball and wrestling.

He owned multiple businesses, including a very successful commercial and residential maid and janitorial services and a window washing company, alongside retail storefronts that included recreational pool tables and video games.

Coach was a boxing enthusiast and brought boxing fitness to the masses with his Muhammad Ali's American Fitness Gym and went on to open the Williams Boxing Gym. Coach trained amateur and professional boxers and mentored hundreds of young people throughout his career.

He was considered a powerful speaker in his early adult life, delivering sermons throughout the Midwest in the late 60's.

After his wife passed away, he decided to return to Fort Dodge to be near his mother, Bessie, and his siblings. There, he opened and operated a boxing gym in downtown before eventually retiring.

He brought Ali to the people of Long Beach, an accomplishment many doubted would happen, he was an advocate for the people who were often undeserved and unrepresented in the community, and believed in forgiveness and second chances.

Charles enjoyed playing pool, riding his motorcycle, fishing, and driving around looking at the countryside.

Charles is survived by five children: Eric Williams, Jason Williams, Nina Williams-McGee, Dorothy Williams and Jeremy Williams; adopted son: Don Small; four stepchildren; twenty grandchildren; twenty-four great grandchildren; four siblings: Pearl Wilson, Newton “Spoony” “Junior” Williams, Mary Ruth Bashir and Dorothy Bodady; and sixteen nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his 1st wife and mother to his children: Leah Rae Wilson in 2009; his 2nd wife: Ruth Miller in 2011; and sister: Edna (Williams).

Always hopeful and full of ideas, Charles will be remembered, loved and missed by his family, friends, and admirers all over the country.

He was a colorful man who was deeply loved, respected and admired.