James Carlton Williams' Obituary
James Carlton Williams passed away Saturday, June 2, 2012, in Fredericksburg, VA following a short illness.
Mr. Williams, known to his friends and family as Bill, was born near Selma, NC, on October 8, 1918; the second child of Claire and Bessie Williams.
Bill led a widely varied life, which began with plowing fields behind a mule as a child. He joined the United States Army just prior to World War II, was selected for Officer Candidate School, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1941.
Married to Annette Hamilton in September, 1941, in Atlanta, Georgia, he pursued a distinguished military career, serving through three wars (WWII, Korea and Vietnam), and transitioning to the United States Air Force upon its formation in 1947.
Bill and Annette undertook and enjoyed numerous military assignments throughout the world, including the United States, Okinawa, England and Turkey. Bill retired as a Colonel from the United States Air Force in 1965 and entered the United States Civil Service, where he continued his career with distinction until 1984.
Bill was accompanied in life by two brothers and one sister, all of whom enjoyed successful careers and lives. In addition, Bill and Annette raised two sons, James C. Williams, Jr. and Richard S. Williams, both of whom followed in their parent’s footsteps and pursued successful military careers. Bill’s grandson, Lt. Richard S. Williams, Jr., is proud to continue his grandfather’s legacy, presently serving in the United States Air Force and nearing completion of pilot training in Texas.
Bill is survived by his two sons and grandson, as well as his daughters-in-law, Sue and Jody Williams; his step grandchildren, Eryn L. Hasty, Erica L. Talbert, John C. Heenan, Jr., and Sandra S. Heenan; and his step great grandchildren, Blakeney Anne Hasty, Jack C. Heenan, Katherine E. Heenan, and John D. Sterling. Of his generation, he was the last surviving sibling.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Claire Avery Williams, Jr., and Robert Staples Williams; and by his sister, Mary Lillian Williams.
Bill was a kind and strong man - a relentless optimist who made the best of all that life had to offer. He was an avid and skilled golfer, a patriot, a leader, and a loyal and loving husband and father. His family members, most of whom owe their successes to him in no small measure, miss him tremendously.
Bills’ family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Monday, June 11, 2012 at Found and Sons Funeral Chapels-Cremation Service, 10719 Courthouse Road, Fredericksburg, with the funeral service to begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle, VA.
In lieu of flowers, Bill’s family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.
Online condolences may be expressed to Bill’s family at foundandsons.com.
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