Country singer CHICKIE WILLIAMS has died at the age of 88. Williams, who was the wife and singing partner of Doc Williams, passed away at a care centre in Wheeling, West Virginia last Sunday (18Nov07). Her 93-year-old husband says, "I've just been reminiscing and enjoying the wonderful life I shared with my wife. It's a real loss to me.'' Born Jessie Wanda Crupe, she wed Doc Williams in 1939 and the pair started performing together. Williams had her biggest hit in 1947 with Beyond The Sunset. Her grandson, Ohio Senator Andy MCKenzie, says, "My grandmother was not only very special to hundreds of thousands of people across the U.S. and Canada, at one time she was as big as any modern-day country singer. To many people, they still are major stars.'' Williams funeral service is scheduled to take place at First Baptist Church in Wheeling on Saturday (24Nov07).