Donald Ray Williams
January 20, 1932 ~ May 7, 2013
Donald Ray Williams went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, May 7, 2013. A devoted family man and Christian, Donald was born to the late John Solomon Williams and Lucille Perry Williams January 20, 1932.
Donald leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Rachel Batts Williams; daughters: Donna Williams Barnes and husband, Willard; Michelle Godwin Jackson and husband, Rusty; and Jennifer Williams Gardiner; son, Jeff Williams and wife, Nan; grandchildren: Katie Barnes Webb and husband, Thomas; Sarah Gardiner, Jeremy Gardiner and David Williams. Together with his wife, Rachel, they were foster parents to several children for many years. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth Williams and Boice Williams. He is survived by his sister, Jackie Jackson, and his brother, Doug Williams.
A graduate of West Edgecombe High School and Atlantic Christian College, he served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. His work career included Burlington Industries, Schlage Lock and Rocky Mount Cord Company.
Donald was a member of Arlington Baptist Church and an ordained Deacon, Sunday School teacher, finance committee chairman, and also sang in the adult choir. He also served in the Rocky Mount Evening Lions Club until his health prevented his attendance. His interests included baseball, attending NC State football and basketball games with friends, and antique cars, especially Mustangs.
A celebration of Donald's life will be held at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home on Thursday, May 9, 2013, at 2:00 pm with Reverend Tim Lowry of Arlington Baptist Church and Reverend Bill Tomlinson officiating. Visitation with the family will be held Wednesday, May 8, 2013, 7:00 - 9:00 pm, at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc., Parkinson Plaza, 135 Parkinson Ave., Staton Island, NY 10305-1946.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Wednesday 5/8, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Service
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Thursday 5/9, 2:00 pm
Cemetery
Rocky Mount Memorial Park
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Lit a candle in memory of Donald Ray Williams
My dear Aunt Rachel,,you have been the strongest woman I have ever known. Your devotion to the Lord made it possible to be by Uncle Donald’s side during his illness. I know that Uncle Donald is with the angels watching over you now as you did over him. I love you and have thought of you everyday. God Bless you all.
Dear Rachel and family, Your faith and strength from God have been such a good witness to the grace of God. I know that only He could have sustained you through the years of loving service you gave to Donald. We are very thankful and proud of you for all you did for my dear cousin. May God bless you with comfort, strength, and joy in Him in the coming days. We love you. Jean Eason Holding and siblings
Lit a candle in memory of Donald Ray Williams
When we lose a loved one to death, Jesus opened the way for us to gain everlasting life. (Matt.2028) grief & the feelings of helplessness can seem unbearable. At such times as these, we need to go to means of faith in the merit of Jesus shed blood, that we can we gain ; everlasting life.(John 316) The Bible gives Gods word for comfort. (2 Cor. 1 3,4) The Bible helps us to understand how Jehovah & Jesus feel about death. Jesus who perfectly reflected his Father, knew the pain of losing someone in death. (John 149) How did Jesus feel about losing his friend The account tells us that Jesus joined Lazarous relatives & friends as they grieved over this loss. Seeing them, Jesus was deeply moved. He groaned in the spirit & became troubled. Then the account says Jesus gave way to tears. (John 11 33,35) Did Jesus grief mean that he had no hope Not at all, in fact, Jesus knew that something wonderful was about to happen. (John 11 3,4) Still he felt the pain & sorrow that death brings. Jesus did not claim to perform this amazing miracle on his own. In his prayer just before calling out to Lazarus, he made it clear that Jehovah was the source of the resurrection. (John 1141,42) This was not the only time that Jehovah used his power in this way. The resurrection of Lazarus is just one of nine miracles of this kind recorded in Gods word. All of these things just show us what is to come to pass in the near future. What a wonderful gift of LOVE.