Paul Raymond "Ray" Williams' Obituary
Paul R. “Ray” Williams, Sr. went to his Heavenly Home on March 6. Ray was born on June 9, 1931 in Miami, Florida to the late Paul Williams, Sr. and Lillie Mae Mims. He grew up in Miami and excelled at sports throughout his life. His service in the Air Force began in 1950. He was very proud of his service as a Military Policeman. He often spoke of his time in Paris, France. He was awarded a Good conduct medal and a National Defense Service medal. After an honorable discharge, he returned home to Miami, where he met and married the love of his life, Mercedes Hart, “Sedie.” Ray began a career with Genuine Auto Parts where he rose through the ranks and finally retired as a Local Manager with NAPA Auto Parts in 1990.
Ray and Sedie were married for 36 years until her death in 1990. They raised 4 wonderful children. Ray never missed any sporting event or activity that his children participated in. His wife and his family were the most important to him. Throughout his life he was a mentor to many and was always there to lend a helping hand. He had the ability to fix anything needing repair and had an affinity for mechanics. He loved to golf and was known to use colorful language out on the course. He loved his Boxer dogs Bruiser and Beau and most nights would be found sharing a tub of ice cream with them. He loved working in his yard and always had fruit trees growing. He was very proud of his 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grand children.
He is survived by his brothers, Marvin Williams, Paul Williams “PJ” , and sister, Carolyn Nichols. His children, Paul R. Williams Jr. “Butch,” Linda Williams Shuford-Reeves, Susan Williams Furr, and Sandra Williams Rader. His Son in Laws, Carl Rader, “Pete” and Don Reeves. His grandchildren, Nicole Hammond, Keely Williams, Brody Williams, Dustin Williams, Haley Etz, Chandler Shuford, and Chase Shuford. His great-grand children, Nolan Hammond, Reeves Hammond, Blakeley Ray Hammond, and Harper Rae Etz, both named after their PaPa. He is preceded in death by step mother, Louise Williams and step father Dewey Mims, brother Wayne Williams, brother Jerry Mims, and son-in-law Steve Furr.
A service to celebrate Ray’s life will be held on Saturday, April 6th at 11 AM at St. Stephen United Methodist Church, 6800 Sardis Road, Charlotte.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association in his memory.
James Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.
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