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BORN

1929

DIED

2020

FUNERAL HOME

Northside Chapel Funeral Directors and Crematory

12050 Crabapple Road

Roswell, Georgia

Walter Williams Obituary

WILLIAMS, Walter Lenona "Walt" Walter Lenona "Walt" Williams, LCDR, USN (retired) passed away at his residence in Saint George Village, Roswell, Georgia, on Wednesday, August 12, 2020, after living in this world 90 years, 10 months and 14 days. Walt is preceded in death by his beloved wife Virginia Ann "Ginny" Dufraine Williams, sisters Norma Glenn and Bettye Cleveland, and brother Franklin Williams. Walt is survived by sister Bobbie Williams Evans Ezelle (Ray), daughters Barbara Costello (Barry), Peggy Schorle (Joe), and Mary Williams (Jeff Jestings); sons Douglas Williams and Michael Williams (Mary Catherine); nine grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Born September 29, 1929 to Walter Murl Williams and Glenna Chappell Williams of Decatur, Mississippi, Walt graduated Newton County Agricultural High School in 1946 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Venturing to Greenfield, Massachusetts with a buddy, he would meet Ginny, fall in love and they would marry in 1951. Walt entered the Catholic Church, and the couple was graced with five children, three born in Virginia and two in Rhode Island. They eventually settled in the Atlanta area, first Chamblee (1965-73), then Dunwoody (1973-2003), and finally Roswell in 2003 where they became inaugural residents of Saint George Village. Walt and Ginny ventured to all 50 states and traveled extensively overseas. Walt ordered his values around God, family and country. Often geographically separated from extended family, he was always a driving force for family gatherings, particularly those celebrating the many achievements of his progeny, including graduations, military swearings in, nuptials, and baptisms. He sought to instill a sense of civic responsibility and took a special pride in those who serve causes greater than themselves. Walt served 24 years on active duty in the USN, working his way through the enlisted ranks to an officer's commission and retiring in 1970 as a Lieutenant Commander. His disciplines included training pilots, electronics/avionics, industrial management, and aviation maintenance. Early on, he served on the USS Leyte (CV-32; 1949-50) and much later with Attack Squadron 81 on the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67; 1968-70). After retiring from active service, Walt established a NJROTC Unit at Osborne Senior High School in Cobb County where he would don his uniform for another 18 years teaching and forming young citizens. While teaching during the day, Walt was also a night student, completing an AA degree from Dekalb Junior College, and BBA and MA degrees from Georgia State University. Walt finally succumbed to the effects of COVID-19. Northside Chapel Funeral Directors, Roswell, is handling arrangements. A Catholic funeral mass will be held at Saint Peter Chanel Catholic Church in Roswell and interment with military honors at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA; dates to be determined. Participation in both events will necessarily be limited to immediate family. In lieu of flowers, Walt has requested donations to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org) in honor of his beloved, Virginia "Ginny" Williams.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Aug. 14, 2020.

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3 Entries

Linda Zullinger

August 17, 2020

It is with heavy hearts that my husband and I, Chuck and Linda Zullinger, mourn the loss of Walt. We knew he and Ginny through my Mom and Dad, Ed and Kathleen Woerner. Walt and my husband always talked of the Navy as my husband was in the Navy for 20 years. We would also see them at church, All Saints, when we came back for a visit. My children are also sad to hear of Walt's death.
Walt took such good care of my Mom after my Dad died in 2005. My Mom and Dad were originally going to be next door neighbors to Walt and Ginny but my Dad said there were too many old people. We always had a good laugh about that. Since my Mom moved to St George it was always nice to see Walt and we would have dinner or lunch when I came back to visit. We will miss seeing him but know he now is with his beloved Ginny in heaven.
We keep all of the family in our prayers during this stressful time.

Elaine Smith

August 16, 2020

It was a honor to know both, Walt and Ginny! My parents(Ed and Kathleen Woerner) were very close with your parents. When my father died in 2005, Walt always had time for my Mom, he wanted to make sure she was doing well and he wanted to make sure she moved into St George and she finally did 5 years ago. She is deeply saddened at his loss, but we all know he is rejoicing in Heaven and together again with his beloved Ginny.
Our prayers and thoughts are with all your family!

Staff of Northside Chapel Funeral Directors, Inc.

August 14, 2020

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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Northside Chapel Funeral Directors and Crematory

12050 Crabapple Road, Roswell, GA 30075

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