Samuel "Sammy" Williams

1919 - 2013

HENDERSONVILLE-Samuel "Sammy" Williams of Hendersonville died Wednesday November 21, 2013 at the Elizabeth House surrounded by his loving family. Sammy was born in Detroit Michigan on December 11, 1919 to the late Louis and Minnie Goldstein Williams. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Jacob Williams and his sister Anne Williams Kaplan.
Sammy and his family moved to Hendersonville in 1925, commencing the deep family roots of the Williams family that has been nurtured and strengthened for almost 90 years. After graduating from Hendersonville High School, Sammy served his country during World War II in the United States Air Corp where he specialized in Radio Communications, vital for the war effort. In 1946, he returned to Hendersonville to begin working side by side with his father in the family hardware business, Louis Williams and Sons on 7th Avenue. Sammy was helpful, friendly and quickly learned the inventory of the business. On September 3, 1950, Sammy married Florence "Flossie" Kaplan to whom he was totally devoted to until her death in 2009. He cherished his memories of their nearly 60 years of marriage. "Flossie" being a full time homemaker, Sammy was able to concentrate on the family business. He went to work every day with a smile on his face and was a firm believer that the customer was always right. After the death of his father, the store concentrated on plumbing supplies. When Sammy met you at the door, if you didn't bring the part you needed, he had the ability to understand the customer's sign language and your version of a "thing -a –majig."
He served the community of Hendersonville in numerous capacities and remained an active member on several boards until his death. He was a member and past president of the Hendersonville Merchant's Association as well as the Four Seasons Rotary Club. He was a life member of the BPO Elks Lodge#1616, a life member of the VFW Post 5206 and the American Legion Post 77. He was a founding board member of the Hendersonville Housing Authority and his contributions over the years were invaluable. He was an active member of the Agudus Israel Synagogue congregation as well as a member and past president of their Men's Club. He was also an over 50 year member of B'nai B'rith.
He is survived by his two sons, Sid Williams and his wife, Susan, Danny Williams and his wife, Debbie; daughter, Sharon Williams Wooten and her companion, William Lampley Jr., all of Hendersonville; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Williams of Fort Mill, SC, Rebekah Williams and her husband, Gary Hearn, of Spencer Mountain, Melissa Wooten of Jupiter Fl., Jennifer Wooten of Hendersonville, Brad Wooten of Charlotte, Lauren Williams of Chicago, IL, Daniel Williams of Hendersonville; five great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; nephew, David Kaplan and his wife, Elissa; and niece, Eileen Stang and her husband, Dr. Michael Stang.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 PM on Sunday, November 24, 2013 at Agudas Israel Synagogue with Rabbi Phil Cohen and Rabbi Philip Bentley officiating. A visitation will be held Saturday from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the chapel. Burial will follow in the Agudas Israel section of Oakdale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 S. Allen Rd. Flat Rock, NC 28731.
An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.