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Veteran looking to get one final ride in a 1953 Chevy Bel Air dies before getting the chance

Posted at 9:10 PM, Aug 15, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-15 21:10:34-04

MUNROE FALLS, Ohio — A man who wanted to ride a 1953 Chevy Bel Air before dying has passed away.

Charles "Chick" Williams, 74, had cancer and a vascular circulatory diseases. His wife, Gale, posted a touching message on Facebook hoping someone in the classic car community can help fulfill a last wish.

"My husband is a veteran of the U.S Army. In the last six months, he has had seven surgeries. He is now home with hospice care and given a short time to live," she wrote. "I'm possibly looking to rent a 1953 Chevy Bel Air for the day or a few hours to take him for a ride. This is his dream car and the first car he ever owned."

His left leg was amputated earlier this year.

When he was a teenager, Chick was given a two-tone green '53 Chevy Bel Air by his father. He fell in love with it and cherishes the memories.

He was supposed to get his dying wish granted on Sunday.

A car cruise was going to be held with two '53 Chevy Bel Air's for Williams to ride in, as well as the Cuyahoga Falls mayor was going to honor the veteran.

Instead, the event will be held in his memory.

For more information on the event to honor Williams' memory, click here.

RELATED: Family looks for 1953 Chevy Bel Air owner to give dying veteran a final ride