Charles William Townsend, affectionately known as “Billy,” entered into the arms of His Savior on March 10, 2025. He was 81 years of age. Born and raised in Lauderdale County, Alabama, Billy dedicated his life to faith, family, and service.
A devoted husband, he shared 62 beautiful years of marriage with the love of his life, Kaye Townsend. Their love story began in kindergarten and grew into a lifetime of unwavering commitment, laughter, and cherished memories. Together, they built a family grounded in love, faith, and steadfast devotion.
Billy was a man of deep conviction and fierce love; first for his God and then his family. He was a loving father to Chuck Townsend (Darlene) and Chris Townsend (Martha). Grandfather to Benjamin Townsend (Ashley) and Emily Cardel (Michael), and great-grandfather to Selah Bryn Cardel, Jireh Grace Townsend, Aidan Benjamin Cardel, and Nathaniel Jude Townsend. His role as “Granddaddy” and “Pawpaw” brought him immense joy!
His dedication to service was evident in his nearly 40-year career in law enforcement. 24 of which as the Sheriff of Lauderdale County. He was the youngest sheriff to be elected in the county, and the longest-serving, Billy’s leadership left a lasting impact on the community he served.
Beyond his career, Billy was known for his sharp wit and a sense of humor that could lighten any moment. He never turned down a cup of coffee or a scoop of chocolate ice cream, and he found great joy in the simple pleasures of life; playing baseball and softball, horseback riding, and riding his Harley-Davidsons with Kaye on trips with friends to the mountains of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
His devotion to family was so strong that he and Kaye moved to Tennessee to be closer to their grandchildren during their most formative years. This selfless act was a testament to the deep love he carried for his family, always putting them first. His grandchildren will never forget it.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Robert Townsend and Ella Lois McClintock Townsend; three sisters, Jeannie Brown, Barbara Hamner, and Sondra Davis.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Kaye Townsend; his children, Chuck and Chris; his brothers, Jack Townsend (Carolyn) and Jim Townsend; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews, aunt Josephine (Jo) McGee, and brothers-in-law David Chamblee and Tim Tankersley.
The family requests that donations be made in Billy’s honor to the Sheriff’s Boys and Girls Ranch instead of flowers.
Alabama Sheriffs Youth Ranches
PO Box 240009
Montgomery, AL 36124
Billy Townsend was a man of integrity, laughter, and unwavering love. His legacy of faith, family, and service will live on in the lives of those he touched. Though we grieve in his absence, we also rejoice in the promise of hope in Christ, the very hope he clung to throughout his life. We take comfort in knowing that he is now whole, fully satisfied in the presence of his Savior.
“And now abide faith, hope, and charity. These three, but the greatest of these is charity”.
1 Corinthians 13:13. Billy’s life was a great example of this.
We are very grateful to Sheriff Joe Hamilton, and Chief Deputies, and longtime friends George Richardson and Richard Richey. The family would like to thank Donna Taylor for the friendship and love shown to Kaye during the many hours she sat with Billy. We also thank Affinity Hospice and Katie Holt for their loving care and support. Visitation will be Monday, March 17th, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at Williams Funeral Home of Florence. The celebration of life will follow at 1:00 pm in the funeral home chapel with Brother Tim Grigsby officiating. Burial will be at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens.
