"The Loss is immeasurable but so is the Love left behind. Keeping you all in prayer. Inez Spence Unity Bowie, Maryland "
In loving memory of
Willie Ray Williams
May 24, 1939 - March 19, 2023
W. Ray Williams joined the Church Triumphant on March 19, 2023, at 6:26 PM. We envision him joining a golf club and playing Golf in heavenly foursomes. Here on this earth, Ray was a son, brother, sports enthusiast, Corporal in the United States Marine Corps, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, electrical engineer, gardener, fisherman, and friend.
Born May 24, 1939, in McNary, Arizona, Ray attended elementary and secondary school in Flagstaff, Arizona. His intelligence and academic aptitude were further realized when Ray achieved ranking as the #1 math student in the state of Arizona. Although he was considered the "underdog", he won the state high school math competition twice (including as a junior competing against seniors). In addition to academic recognitions, Ray loved and excelled in sports. After high school, he enlisted and spent four years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Upon honorably completing military service, he enrolled at Northern Arizona University for two years before transferring to and graduating from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering.
In his capacity as an electrical engineer, Ray experienced success and personal satisfaction. He was the first African American engineer at Motorola, Inc. in Arizona, and made valuable contributions throughout his work as an individual contributor, project leader, mid-level management, and Executive Assistant to a high-profile Company President. Over the course of his four-decade career, Ray received many awards and accolades. He joyfully retired in 1995.
Son of the late J.W. and Ollie Williams, Ray is preceded in death by brothers, Johnny (Betty - also deceased), James (Bettye), Charles (Loretta), Melton and Ernest (Gertha). Ray is survived by his wife of 57 years, Pearl, daughters Daphne Payton (Kenneth) and Traci Williams-Marks (Terry), brother Jesse Williams (Wiley), sisters-in-law Theola Carrethers and Janice Williams, four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Please visit the tributes tab for the livestream link.
Tributes
"The main reason the loss of Uncle Ray is so profound is because he was such a profound blessing to all who knew him. At the moment sadness may reign, but how lucky and fortunate are those who have stories, experiences, and memories of Uncle Ray. May all of those who knew and loved him find peace in the past sufficient enough to carry ?our? hearts forward. With Deepest Sympathy, Terry L. Thames Niece "
"Pops, Thank you for welcoming me into the family! I'll miss our chats, your humor, your brillance, your love. Thanks for the late night call and the trust. Rest in Power. "
"I am praying for you all. May you find comfort in knowing that he is in the arms of Jesus. Sending prayers and hugs."