Howard Williams

September 10, 2014

Appalachia, Virginia Howard Williams, 87, of Appalachia, VA passed away on the evening of September 10, 2014 at his daughter’s home in Johnson City, TN. He was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years Irene Wright Williams, parents, Sarah and Joe Williams, Brothers - Ray, Walter, Creed, Ballard and Jesse, and Sisters Pearlie Mullins and Dora Holbrook. Mr. Williams, a veteran of World War II, served in the 15th Infantry Division in the European Theater. Returning home, he worked for several years in the mines, before he gained employment on the Southern Railroad and retired as conductor after 34 years. The Norfolk Southern Railway recognized his hard work and dedication naming Mr. Williams as a member of the Norfolk Southern World’s Thoroughbred Club. When he was not working on the railroad, Mr. Williams kept busy in his flower and vegetable gardens and with his beekeeping hobby. He loved his family. A member of the First Apostolic Church of God in Appalachia and Snow Memorial Baptist Church in Johnson City. Mr. Williams loved talking about the Lord. Mr. Williams is survived by his daughter Susan Elaine Williams of Johnson City, TN and son Dr. Phillip Barry Williams, daughter-in-law Alice Leigh Williams of Hobbsville, North Carolina and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Williams’ family would like to especially thank Roger Williams of Big Stone Gap, VA his nephew who over the past few years became a companion and care giver. In addition, we would like to recognize special family and friends – Dale Williams of Big Stone Gap, Johnny Chandler and Paul and Lois Kindle of Appalachia, and his Johnson City friends Howard Bowman, James Carroll Ellis, Robert Webster, Bob Leonard, and Jeff Lucas. We wish to thank all of his many other good friends from church, the railroad, and surrounding communities. The family will receive friends at the First Apostolic Faith Church 403 Callahan Avenue Appalachia, VA on Saturday, September 13, 2014 from 5PM-7PM with the funeral being conducted at 7PM, officiated by Pastors Johnny Flanary and Joe Blankenship. Military graveside services will be conducted at the Powell Valley Memorial Gardens on Sunday, September 14, 2014 at 2PM. Family and friends will meet at the Roy A. Green Funeral Home at 1:30 p.m. for the procession to the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Niswonger Children’s Hospital in care of the Mountain States Foundation.