ROY WILLIAMS
April 26, 1939-March 19, 2014
Roy Neel Williams, 74, of Maryville, Tenn., was welcomed by God into the kingdom of Heaven on March 19, 2014.
Roy was born April 26, 1939, in Searcy, Ark. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Maryville, Tenn., and a member of the Encourager's Sunday School Class.
He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, as well as the Tennessee and North Carolina wildlife associations. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the York Rites in Goldsboro, N.C. He was a Sudan Shriner and member of the Wayne County, N.C., Shrine Club.
He studied business at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and was a devoted employee of Sears for more than 20 years. He began at Sears in Little Rock and promoted and was transferred as the operating superintendent to Florence, Ala., and then to Goldsboro, N.C.
After retirement from Sears, he became owner of Eastern Air Conditioning Inc., a commercial heating and air conditioning company and AAA Mini Storage, both in Goldsboro. He was also part owner of Oak Ridge Outfitters Sporting Goods in Goldsboro.
Roy was an avid duck hunter in Arkansas and the Outer Banks of North Carolina, along with his yellow lab, Katy. Katy was always at his side.
On Feb. 11, 2011, Katy passed away at the age of 14 and was cremated. At Roy's request, Katy will be laid to rest with her urn at his side.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jasper LeRoy and Ruby Jo Williams of North Little Rock, Ark.
Roy is survived by the love of his life for 54 years, Fern Williams of Maryville. In addition to his wife, Roy is survived by a sister, Rose Carole Jones and husband Jerry Jones of Cabot, Ark.; three children, daughter Dawn Carole Evans and husband John E. Evans of Maryville, daughter Sheri L. Williams of Charlotte, N.C., and son Paul Scott Williams of Raleigh, N.C. Roy is also survived by two wonderful grandchildren, Joshua Wilson Evans of Maryville and Rachel Neel Evans of Nashville, Tenn.; brothers-in law Fred Jr. and Henry King; nephews Graham and Greg Jones and Hank and Wally King; several cousins; and great-nieces and nephews. He is also survived by two special ladies he considered daughters, Yvonne Fehr and Mary Gustin. Roy had a special relationship with Dr. Terry Lee Adams, who has been involved with Roy's care since his diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in June 2011. Roy is also survived by his best friends, Al Kirby, Buddy Lambert, Icie Myers, Sue Bass; and a host of loving friends.
Receiving of friends was held from 6 until 8 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2014, in Smith West Chapel. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 23, 2014, at Smith West Chapel, with the Rev. Charles Ballard, the Rev. Greg Long and the Rev. Gary Stinnett officiating. Special music will be by Roy's son, Paul Scott Williams, "The Ladies Quartet" of Goldsboro, N.C., and the Rev. Rodger Hooker, West Helena, Ark. Entombment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Gardens, with the Rev. Emerson Wiles, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested that any memorials be sent to "Gate-Gateway to Independence" c/o Ms. Christy Walsh, Executive Director, P.O. Box 6023, Maryville, TN 37802 in memory of Roy and in honor of his special needs grandson, Joshua (also known as Roy's Double Buddy). Joshua attends "The Gate," a special needs program for young adults.
Smith Funeral & Cremation Service of Maryville is in charge of arrangements.
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Published in Obituaries on March 23, 2014 11:09 AM