Sam And Charlie Williams celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their family on a Gateway Clipper dinner cruise on the three rivers and a trip to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in Tennessee.

They were ahead of the times with their Sept. 5, 1969, destination wedding at the First Baptist Church in Sparta, N.C.

They have two children, Sam Williams III of Grove City and Mike Williams of Parker.

They also have six grandchildren.

Williams retired in 1995 after 25 years as a supervisor for C&K Coal Co.

Mrs. Williams worked for various companies doing office work along with holding the office of secretary for the parent teacher organization, football organization and basketball organization in the Moniteau School District.

In 1993 the Williamses became co-owners of the Battery Warehouse Plus in Butler, and in 1998 of Kittanning.

They still work part-time in the battery business and enjoy spending time with their family and cruising around in their Camaro.