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BORN
1950
DIED
2024
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William Williams Obituary
December 13, 1950 - September 27, 2024
William Swinney Williams, Jr., (Billy), 73, died at his home in Bedford, VA on September 27, 2024. Bill's life was a true adventure, both in relationships and work. He was a resident of Bedford for many years after having lived and worked around the world. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps 10 days after turning 17 years old. During basic training, he was awarded the Best Man in the Platoon citation at Parris Island, SC, and served a tour in Vietnam. He had a myriad of interests and was a consummate entrepreneur, never afraid to try something new. Billy was a master electrician, worked on the pipeline in Alaska, owned and operated the Lunch Box restaurant in downtown Bedford, started a chimney sweep and a pool supply business, drove a city bus, was a medical aide, mapped the ocean for oil on a seismographic boat, umpired many league softball games, and was a court appointed special advocate. Billy retired from Moore's Electric in Altavista as a project estimator. He was an avid reader, musician, golfer, and fisherman.
The love of Billy's life, Patricia Wilson Williams, died in 2020. Their children, Sarah of Alexandria, VA and Michael (Samantha) of Jacksonville, NC were known by him as "the best kids ever made!" His grandchildren, Sophia, Elijah, and Colin gave him such joy! All those who knew Billy were grateful to have benefited from his love, caring, and friendship.
Billy is survived by his sister, Marie Williams Hemphill (Tom) of Columbus, OH, and brother, Frank Kemp Williams II (Susan) of Lynchburg, VA, plus numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends around the country that he so much enjoyed visiting.
The headstone at Spring Hill Cemetery for Billy and Pat reads, "We have slipped the surly bonds of earth, danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings, and touched the face of God." May they enjoy being together again in God's presence.
A memorial reception will be held at Bedford Country Club on Saturday, November 9th, 2024 from 2-4 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Williams
Sponsored by Burch-Messier Funeral Home Walnut Street Chapel.
Mark & Katrina Lilly
December 15, 2024
Our condolences to Bill´s family and loved ones. He was a great neighbor to us when we lived in Bedford. He will be greatly missed.
Charlie Mitchel
November 3, 2024
Liz and I will surely miss Bill coming down and visiting us. He was real good friend. He loved to bar hop with us.
Art & Mary DiSanto
October 25, 2024
Sincere sympathy to the Williams famiy.
Elizabeth Farnsworth
October 20, 2024
I´m so deeply sorry. My sincere condolences.
Elizabeth Farnsworth
Lynchburg
Elizabeth Jenkins
October 20, 2024
Frank and Susan,
We are so sorry about the loss of your brother Billy.
Wishing you peace,
Elizabeth Jenkins and Bill Gordon
Lewis Averett
October 20, 2024
I send my deepest sympathy to the family.
Ruth D. Smith
October 20, 2024
I remember Billy so very fondly as a student in my seventh grade class. Handsome, sweet and kind! I know he will be missed by his family and friends. Love to you all. Ruth Smith
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Funeral services provided by:
Burch-Messier Funeral Home Walnut Street Chapel1235 Walnut St, Bedford, VA 24523
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