Raymond E. Williams

Raymond E. Williams, 72, of Rural Retreat died Friday, June 19, 2009 in Smyth County Community Hospital. He was a member of the Rural Retreat Baptist Church, a veteran of the U.S. Army, a lifetime member of the Rural Retreat Volunteer Emergency Services, and had retired from American Furniture Company in Chilhowie with 41 years of service. Survivors include a son, Shane Williams and wife, Pam, of Springfield, Ga.; two grandchildren, Jonathan and Lauren Williams; a sister, Romona W. Shupe; a brother, Roy L. Williams and wife, Mary, all of Rural Retreat; two sisters-in-law, Mildred Bralley of Speedwell and Wanda Sue Stroup of Rural Retreat; a brother-in-law, David Bralley of Speedwell; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, at Rural Retreat Baptist Church with Pastor Jason McNeese and Pastor Travis Price officiating. Interment followed in Rosewood Memorial Gardens with military rites conducted by American Legion Post #229 of Rural Retreat. The family received friends Monday from 6 until 8 p.m. at Rural Retreat Baptist Church or at the residence at any time. Lindsey Funeral Home, Rural Retreat, was in charge of arrangements.