Stephen R. Williams

STEPHEN R. WILLIAMS Stephen R. Williams lost his battle with cancer on September 9th, 2015. He had been able to return to the home that he loved and was surrounded by his wife and partner in this life and next, Annie Williams, his family and his menagerie of pets. Born in Philadelphia in 1943, raised in Springfield, NJ, Steve called North Carolina home since 1976. Upon graduating from High School, Steve joined the Navy and was accepted into their nuclear power school and eventually served on board the USS George Washington (submarine) for several years. Steve obtained his college degree and began his long career in business after completing his service in the Navy. In 1976, he took a job with U.S. Floor Systems in Raleigh, NC as a branch manager, eventually buying the company and overseeing its substantial growth until 1992, when he was able to move to Topsail Island. He and Annie bought and managed several GNC stores in New Bern and Wilmington, as well as several other business ventures. After living in Wilmington for many years, Steve and Annie retired to Oak Island in 2010. Steve remained involved in the community, volunteering with the New Hanover Humane Society and at Topsail Elementary School. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Jean and John Williams as well as his father-in-law, John Thomas Womack, Sr. He leaves behind an extensive family who will miss him very much; Steve's wife, Annie Williams, his children, Stephen Matthew Williams, Katherine Williams Chipman (Donald) and Cliff Ayscue (Lisa), grandchildren, Maryann Chipman, Kaleigh Ayscue, Lilly Ayscue, Dara, Tewsday, and Carpenter Johnson, his mother-in-law, Annie Barbour Womack, his siblings, John W. Williams (Donica), Lois Williams Potratz (Thom), his aunt, Dorothy Maketa, and in-laws, Gail McClung and Mack Self, Guy Womack (Ellen), Johnny Womack (Beth), nieces and nephews, Sarah Potratz, Amelia Potratz, Allison Williams, John Robert Williams and Robert Womack, and his beloved pets, Smokey, Newman, and Angelina. Steve possessed a boisterous and enthusiastic spirit, a sharp mind, wit and sense of humor. He was a great story teller, an avid reader, enjoyed good food and even better conversation. But Steve was always most at home on the water...we wish him eternal peace and know that he is enjoying his special place in heaven meant for Sailors. In lieu of flower, donations to the New Hanover Humane Society or Wounded Warrior Foundation would be appreciated.