Ted Lee Williams Sr.

Ted Lee Williams Sr. passed away unexpectedly Saturday, April 21, 2007, in Spring Hope, NC, at his favorite place, the family farm, Spencer's Trace. He was born November 25, 1931, in Lumberton, NC. He grew up in Wilmington, and graduated from New Hanover High School in the Class of 1950. He was a graduate of East Carolina University and was a proud Pirate. He served four years in the U.S. Air Force.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents, John Cleon Williams and Saleima Floyd, his twin sister Bertie Lou, and sister Karen Bell who died in childhood, and his sister Patricia Mae Sheppard. Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Mildred Edwards Williams, son Ted Lee Jr. and wife Lori, son Jon Bart; four beloved grandchildren Joseph Lee (Joey), Terren Quinn, Jon Alexander (Jake), and Julia Allison (Julie); his two brothers, Ret. Lt. Col. Floyd Cleon Williams and wife Barbara, and Ret. Vice Admiral James Dale Williams and wife Dorrie; six nieces and nephews and numerous other relatives and friends. Steve Coleman, his wife Jeria, and children Chris and Kayla were special adopted members of the family. Steve was his right-hand man and is the General Manager of Hangers/Williams Cleaners. Ted was affectionately known as "The Chief."
Ted was a faithful and loyal member of Winter Park Baptist Church for over sixty years, where he taught Sunday school, served as a Deacon and on numerous committees. He loved working with youth in sports activities, and many children called him "Uncle Ted" because they felt a special bond with him.
Ted was President of Williams Fabricare, Inc. (DBA Hangers/Williams Cleaners), and ran the business until he retired. He was a leader in the industry, serving on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Association of Launderer's and Dry Cleaners, and as President, Treasurer, and after retirement as a Trustee. With the encouragement of his sons, Ted Lee and Bart, Ted had the prototype for the CO2 method of environmentally friendly dry cleaning, always staying on the cutting edge of the business technology. He was awarded the Plant Design Award by the International Dry Cleaning Assoc. for two of the plants. Ted and Williams Cleaners received the Governor's Award for Arts and Humanities for volunteer work for the Cape Fear Museum. He loved mentoring young aspiring businesspersons and sharing his knowledge with others in the industry. He was on the Board of Directors at Wachovia Bank until his retirement.
Ted started riding a motorcycle five years ago, and enjoyed riding with his special friend, Rev. Clark Rounds. He rode and enjoyed four hours of riding on Saturday, returning to his beloved farmhouse, which he kept beautiful for his family to enjoy. He returned from his ride to his favorite spot on the deck to enjoy the beautiful sunset over the meadow, and that is when he went home from there to be with the Lord.
A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, 2007, at Winter Park Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to his favorite charity, the Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361-9911, or to the charity of one's choice.
The family is grateful to all who have been his friend and shared in his life. We sincerely appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. His wife, sons, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren will forever love and miss "Our Chief."
Condolences may be made to the family at www.Andrews Mortuary
.com.
Andrews Market Street Chapel.