Mr. Willie Nathan Williams, 77, of Florence, AL. passed away Thursday, May 7, 2009, at ECM Hospital after a year long courageous battle with cancer. The family will receive friends at Elkins Funeral Home on Saturday evening from 6-9. The funeral will be Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the funeral home with Bro. Wayne Wood officiating. Burial will follow in Sherrod Valley Cemetery with military honors.
Mr. Williams was a Sergeant in the United States Army and served in the Korean War, from which he received a Purple Heart. He later worked and retired from TVA in 1972. He loved fishing and hunting, especially with his grandchildren, and he had a special love for his puppies and Alabama football. He enjoyed nature and gardening. He was known for his famous tomatoes he grew. Above all this, his family and grandchildren were his life. Willie is remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a hardworking, honorable man who was a great teacher. He was a member of the Church of Christ.
He is preceded in death by his parents Marcus and Myrtle Williams; sisters, Jessie Hart and Juanita Sherrod; and brother, Roy Travis Williams.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Peggy Irions Williams; son, Keith Williams (Teressa); Daughters, Patti Jackson (Mike), and Lori Williams; sisters, Eloise Tidwell, and Marlene James; grandchildren, Michaela Jackson, Shane (Sophia), Heath (Lynette), and Kyle (April) Wood, Amber Baskins (John), Mark Goodman (Julie), Jake Gardiner, and Adam Williams; great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Savana, Jackson, Jaylee, Eli, and Aiden; and numerous nieces and nephews; and his pets, Winnie, Ben, and Peaches.
Pallbearers will be grandsons. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dr. Danny McFall, Dr. William Heaton, Dr. J. Michael Webb and Junior Green.
Willie''s family would like to express their heart felt appreciation to Dr. McFall, Dr. Heaton, and Dr. Webb for their excellent medical expertise and also to the nurses and staff on the 6th floor and Pallative Care for their loving kindness, especially to his night nurse, Lisa Scott.
Expressions of sympathy may also be made in loving memory of Willie Nathan Williams to the local Diabetes and American Cancer Societies.
You are welcome to sign the online register at www.elkinsfh.com
Elkins Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Daddy was our Rock. We love you Daddy.