Charlotte’s Daniel Williams passed Friday, July 2, 2021 at 103-years-old

On Thursday, July 1, 2021 Charlotte and Mecklenburg County lost a well-respected and beloved member of the community. Daniel (D.W.) Williams, one of oldest residents in the city passed. D.W and his spouse Willie were the subject of much fanfare, and celebration just a couple of years ago.

After more than 80-years of marriage, Daniel celebrated his 103rd birthday, and wife Willie celebrated her 100th birthday.

In 2018, they were entered into a contest sponsored by the Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME) of California, the original faith-based marriage enrichment program in the United States. They were the winners of the award for the longest married couple in North Carolina. Then, in 2019 they were entered into the same contest for the longest married couple in the United States and won. The celebration of those milestones catapulted them into instant celebrity status, locally and throughout the United States. They were invited to California to meet one of their favorite television personalities, Steve Harvey, and appeared on his show.

Later that year, they traveled to California again to appear on another television show – Love Goals, produced by the OWN. There were numerous interviews in the news and print media. Cards, letters and phone calls came from all over the country. They were even recognized by the White House, the Governor, and the Mayor of Charlotte.

D.W. as he was affectionately known was born and raised in Newberry, S.C. After marrying his childhood sweetheart, Willie they moved to Charlotte, N.C. Daniel served in the U.S. Army during WW II. He retired from Armour Meat Packing Company, and retirement days were full of gardening, golf, traveling, and enjoying spending time with his sweetheart Willie.

D.W. also joined the Masonic brotherhood of Myersville Lodge #687, PHA in 1951. He served in several capacities, faithfully until he was no longer able to attend meetings.

But most of all, he was a God-fearing man, known for his singing and his soul-stirring prayers! These spiritual gifts would allow him to travel throughout the South, singing and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Because of his wisdom, character, and the way he lived his life, D.W. had a positive effect on everyone he met. He will truly be missed. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, July 10, 2021. Long and Son Mortuary Service of Charlotte is in charge of the arrangements.