Raymond A. “Willie” Williams, 77, a resident of Natick, MA for 52 years, passed away in his home surrounded by his loving family on May 26, 2011. He was the beloved husband of Valerie C. (MacDonald) Williams who he met on a blind date and with whom he shared 58 years of undying and everlasting love.
Born in Beech Bluff, TN, the son of the late Everett and Betty Catherine (Cupples) Williams, Mr. Williams was raised in Kentucky. He enlisted in the United States Navy on April 10, 1951 and served onboard the USS Lloyd Thomas during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Quartermaster Third Class on September 1, 1954. He settled in Natick, MA in 1959 and became a well-known fixture in the community. Mr. Williams helped to build the Callahan Tunnel in Boston, MA and then began his career with the Town of Natick, MA Highway Department. After retirement, he became a driver for the Dana Hall School in Wellesley. A lover of country music and western movies, Mr. Williams loved to tell jokes and enjoyed gardening. He was a longtime dedicated member of the Natick Sunday Morning Red Eye League and a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox. Above all else, Mr. Williams was dedicated and devoted to his beloved wife and family. He was also a life member of the American Legion – Post 107 of Natick, MA
In addition to his wife, Mr. Williams was the devoted father of Michael Williams and his wife Jeani of Milford, MA, Bob Williams of Natick, MA, Keith Williams and his wife Franny of Norton, MA, John Williams and his wife Bonita of Holliston, MA, Robin Jenner and her husband Wayne of Westborough, MA, Jo-Anne White and her husband Paul of Framingham, MA, Jeanne Lavezzo of Natick, MA, and Judi Baldini and her husband Christopher of Milford, MA; cherished grandfather of 17 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; and dear brother of Betty Sue Sams of St. Charles, MO. He was pre-deceased by his loving grandson, John Paul Simeone, his brothers, Verlin, Herbert, Fred and Gene Williams and his sisters Katy Dudek and Marie Davis.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend Mr. Williams funeral in St. Patrick’s Church, 44 East Central St. Natick, MA on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 10:00 AM. Visiting hours will be held in the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park St. (at Natick Common) NATICK, MA on Monday, May 30, 2011 from 4-8 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the Williams family requests that donations be made to the Natick Service Council, 2 Webster St. Natick, MA 01760 or the Metrowest Hospice, 85 Lincoln St. Framingham, MA 01702.