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Wendell Williams Obituary
Wendell Marion Williams, Jr. "Bud", 92, passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was born on May 15, 1932, son of Wendell Marion Williams and Bernice Lucille Wise Williams, of Canton, Ohio. He married Mary Catharine Linville, in 1961.
Wendell was raised in Canton, Ohio, and graduated from Lehman High School where his father taught mathematics. He co-oped at Georgia Tech and Timken Roller Bearing Company, graduating in 1955. He worked in Chrysler's Engineering Division, earning a Master's Degree in Automotive Engineering, as well as Master's and PhD' in Mechanical Engineering from Ohio State University. In 1966, he moved his family to Atlanta when he became a professor at Georgia Tech until 1989. In retirement, Wendell taught at the University of Akron through 2000. During his career, he served on the national board of directors for the Society of Automotive Engineering (SAE) from 1988-1990, was a consultant and expert witness for numerous companies and government agencies including NASA/University Advanced Missions Space Design Program and the US Department of Transportation. He was a member and faculty advisor to Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity, and elder and member for over fifty years at Rock Spring Presbyterian Church. As a member of the National DeSoto Club for over 25 years, he relished his passion for all things Chrysler.
Preceding him in death was his wife, Mary; and his beloved granddaughter, Catherine Williams. Surviving is a daughter, Debra (Stewart Cauley), of New York City; and son, Stephen (Anne) of Monteagle, TN; his grandchildren, Elijah, Benjamin, Wyatt and Walker; sister, Ann (Richard) Crossman of Waterloo, Ontario; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Services are being held at the historic Rock Spring Presbyterian Church, on Sunday, April 13, at 3 PM. The family will be receiving guests before the service at 2 PM, and at a reception at Fellowship Hall afterwards. Burial will immediately follow the service in the Rock Spring Cemetery. H.M. Patterson & Son, Oglethorpe Hill Chapel will handle arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of his granddaughter Catherine to curechildhoodcancer.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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Sponsored by H.M. Patterson & Son-Oglethorpe Hill Chapel.
3 Entries
Nancy Williams Crane
April 12, 2025
Bud was my favorite Williams cousin. He was 18 when I was born, so he seemed "old" when I knew him. But, when I was little, he was always the kindest, gentlest man, crouching down to talk to me! He told the BEST stories, and could explain any complex idea completely, until you had full understanding, but never felt ignorant. When we were much older, he had us come down to Wendell and Burnice's old house, and told us stories of his days at Chrysler, and took us all on a ride around Canton in his precious antique Dodge! We will miss him terribly. Rest, Bud, and hug Mary and Catherine for all of us until we meet again.
Richard A Dudash
April 7, 2025
I was blessed to know Bud and Mary for many years and my wife Donna, knew Bud's parents before she knew me. We didn't get to spend a lot time with them, since we live in Ohio, but each time was a blessing. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, but I am sure he is in a much better place now. Love from your distant cousin.
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H.M. Patterson & Son-Oglethorpe Hill Chapel4550 Peachtree Road Ne, Atlanta, GA 30319
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