Harold D. Williams

Harold Duane Williams passed away at age 88 in Martin, Tennessee, on Thursday, September 10, 2020. He was born on October 16, 1931 in Sharon, Tennessee, to Elwood and Ethel Williams. He entered the U.S.Army in 1952, served as a Forward Observer in the Korean War, and returned in 1954. In 1955, he married Ruth Ann Matheny, and they raised two children, Sheila and David. Harold was an industrious man with many talents and interests. He went to Barber School in Memphis, Tennessee, in the late 1950s, moved to Chicago and barbered there until the early 1970s. He moved his family back to Dresden, Tennessee, and worked at Hall Printing for several years. He then changed careers, becoming a carpenter, and worked until retirement at the University of Tennessee at Martin. He loved working with wood and was always involved in a project. He was a faithful Christian, attended Central Baptist Church in Martin, Tennessee,  and enjoyed singing and listening to gospel music. He enjoyed attending UT Martin and Westview High School sports. Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Matheny Williams, his parents, Elwood and Ethel Harper Williams, sisters Bonnie Danner, Lyndell Bradberry, Marjorie Van Skike, Margaret Warren, and a brother, James Doyle Williams. He is survived by his Children, Sheila (Gary) Wilson and David (Sheree) Williams, four grandsons, Adam (Jennings) Wilson, Eric Wilson, Justin (Jenny) Loney, and Spencer Williams, and five great-grandchildren, Cal, Davis, Marion, Alex, and Penelope. He is also survived by a sister, Katie (Bob) Wheat, three brothers, Charles (Betty) Williams, Kenneth (Norma) Williams, and Richard (Diann) Williams, and a special friend Susie Cooper. On Monday, September 14, 2020, family and friends will meet at Sunset Cemetery in Dresden, Tennessee, for a graveside service at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Gideons International, or the Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery , 593 Wildersville Rd., Wildersville, TN 38387