Alan Russell Williams | 2017 | Obituary

Alan Russell Williams

October 2, 2017

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After a very lengthy illness, Alan Russell Williams died peacefully on October 2, 2017 at Sunrise of Wayland surrounded by his loving family. He leaves his beloved wife, Beverley (Derrah) Williams, to whom he had been married for sixty years. He also leaves his two daughters, Kimberley (Williams) Hornung of Wellesley, and Dawn Williams of North Chelmsford, as well as his two grandsons, Matthew and Russell Hornung of Wellesley.

Alan was predeceased by his parents, Joseph B. Williams of Tacoma, Washington and Marian (Estey) Williams of Exeter, New Hampshire as well as his sister, Claire (Williams) Morgan of Red Bluff, California. Born in Montpelier, Vermont, Alan’s family moved early on to Exeter, New Hampshire, where he grew up and graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1951.

A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Alan received his BSEE in 1955 and later received his MSEE from Northeastern University in 1961. He was a principal engineer at Raytheon Company for most of his career until his retirement in 1996 and was a significant contributor to the design of radar systems for the Patriot, HAWK, and Sparrow missiles. The recipient of several Authors/Inventors awards, he continued to be a consultant to Raytheon for several years after his retirement.

One of Alan’s greatest joys was spending time with his grandsons, whether it be by attending jazz concerts at school, vacationing at the lake in New Hampshire, or taking them out for ice cream. Woodworking was his hobby after retirement, and he made some beautiful things for his family. He was affectionately known in the family as ‘big Al’ and will always be remembered for his witty humor and bad jokes. Alan and the light he brought into the lives of those around him will be sorely missed by all who knew him well.

A private burial service will be held at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter (309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452; www.alz.org/manh) or Brookhaven Hospice (114 Turnpike Road, Suite 206, Westboro, MA 01581; www.brookhavenhospice.com).

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