In Memory Of
Charles Wayne Williams
1938
2022
Charles Wayne Williams
April 9, 1938 — November 5, 2022
C. Wayne Williams of Glenmont N.Y. passed away peacefully at his residence on November 5, 2022 after an extended illness.
Wayne was born in Dallas, Texas on April 9, 1938 to the late Earl and Ruth Williams. He attended Williams College in Massachusetts earning his Bachelor's degree in History Phi Beta Kappa. Wayne continued his study of history at Brown University in Providence Rhode Island where he received his Master's degree.
Survivors include. Wayne's devoted wife Deborah Sopczyk; his brother Roger Williams; Sister-in law Pamela Sopczyk and her husband George Duke; brother-in-law Scott Sopczyk and his wife Kimberly; niece and nephews Louis (Amanda)Duke, Edward (Jessica) Duke, Mary Duke, Benjamin (Jenny Hutchinson)Sopczyk, Zachary (Bari) Sopczyk, and Carl (Kate) Sopczyk, and two great nieces Quinn and Riley Duke.
Wayne devoted his career to higher education and served in multiple capacities at Brown University, The New York State Education Department, The University of Mid-America, and Excelsior College (formally Regents College). Wayne was passionate about adult education and was committed to providing opportunities for working adults and those historically underserved by higher education. He played a key role in the establishment of Excelsior College and served as College's the first President For his work in higher education, he received two honorary doctorates, one from Tiffin University and another from Excelsior College.
Wayne's love of the arts was a hallmark of his life. He served on the Board of Trustee for the Albany Institute of History and Art. Throughout his life he supported many local artists filling his home with their paintings and sculptures.
The family is grateful to Chelsy and Suzette, as well as the hospice team for the loving care they provided allowing Wayne to remain at home until his passing.
Burial will be help privately by the family. Those wishing to make a contribution to Wayne's memory, please contact Community Hospice, 310 South Manning Blvd, Albany NY, 12208 or www.community hospice.org.
Wayne was born in Dallas, Texas on April 9, 1938 to the late Earl and Ruth Williams. He attended Williams College in Massachusetts earning his Bachelor's degree in History Phi Beta Kappa. Wayne continued his study of history at Brown University in Providence Rhode Island where he received his Master's degree.
Survivors include. Wayne's devoted wife Deborah Sopczyk; his brother Roger Williams; Sister-in law Pamela Sopczyk and her husband George Duke; brother-in-law Scott Sopczyk and his wife Kimberly; niece and nephews Louis (Amanda)Duke, Edward (Jessica) Duke, Mary Duke, Benjamin (Jenny Hutchinson)Sopczyk, Zachary (Bari) Sopczyk, and Carl (Kate) Sopczyk, and two great nieces Quinn and Riley Duke.
Wayne devoted his career to higher education and served in multiple capacities at Brown University, The New York State Education Department, The University of Mid-America, and Excelsior College (formally Regents College). Wayne was passionate about adult education and was committed to providing opportunities for working adults and those historically underserved by higher education. He played a key role in the establishment of Excelsior College and served as College's the first President For his work in higher education, he received two honorary doctorates, one from Tiffin University and another from Excelsior College.
Wayne's love of the arts was a hallmark of his life. He served on the Board of Trustee for the Albany Institute of History and Art. Throughout his life he supported many local artists filling his home with their paintings and sculptures.
The family is grateful to Chelsy and Suzette, as well as the hospice team for the loving care they provided allowing Wayne to remain at home until his passing.
Burial will be help privately by the family. Those wishing to make a contribution to Wayne's memory, please contact Community Hospice, 310 South Manning Blvd, Albany NY, 12208 or www.community hospice.org.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles Wayne Williams, please visit our flower store.
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