Our beloved father and grandfather, Lewis Blanton Williams Jr., passed into our Father’s arms on December 10, 2018. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Hall Williams; and his son, Lewis Blanton Williams III. He is also joined in heaven with his parents, Lewis Blanton Williams Sr. and Irene Williams. Lewis’s sisters, Grace Williams, Martha Lowe, and Betty Luttrell, have also preceded him in death.
Lewis Williams was born in Rockvale, Tennessee on June 16, 1925. He served as a sergeant in the army during World War II. During that time, he parachuted onto Normandy beach during the Invasion and later helped to free Jewish prisoners in concentration camps.
Lewis went on to complete a Masters of Science that combined economics and agriculture from the University of Tennessee. As an agronomist Lewis worked first with Federal Fertilizer in Kentucky then with the Exxon World Hunger Project in New York. He also worked to increase food production through the U.S. State Department and United Nations in India, Sri Lanka, and Africa. He finally moved to Florence, Alabama with International Fertilizer Development Center where he continued to travel to Romania to help farmers privatize their business under a newfound democracy before retiring.
Dad served on the Florence, Alabama Tree Commission and landscaped several parks in the Tri Cities area including Deibert Park and also over at Edgemont Methodist Church. He continued consulting work in energy conservation with TVA and was an active member of Rotary Club of Florence, Alabama in 1980, becoming a Paul Harris Fellow. Lewis was also involved with Habitat for Humanity and worked with local farmers to streamline efficiency and increase food production. Lew loved attending Sunday School at Edgemont United Methodist Church, working in his yard and spending time with his family. He was also an avid runner.
However, he is most remembered as a loving and devoted husband and father. Lewis loved both his family and country more than anything else. He was proudest of being a soldier during Worl War II.
Lewis has left behind two daughters, Susan Joyce Boada, in Pegram, Tennessee and Nancy Hall West, in Melbourne, Florida. He also leaves behind three wonderful grandchildren, Sarah Melana Grosnick (Bryan), in Rhode Island, Steven A. Boada (Elizabeth), in New Jersey, and William Patrick West (Lian),in Florida. Lewis was also a proud great grandfather to Lucas Grosnick in Providence, Rhode Island and Wyatt West in Florida.
“I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.” Leo Buscaglia
A funeral service has been scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday, December 16th, at Edgemont First United Methodist Church in Florence with Reverend Henry Prater officiating. The family will receive visitors an hour before the service. There will be a short visitation at Woodfin Funeral Home in Murfreesboro, Tennessee at 1 p.m. Monday, December 17th followed by burial at Roselawn Memorial Gardens at 2:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Friendship Class at Edgemont Methodist Church or the Rotary Club of Florence, Alabama.
You may sign the guest register at sprywilliams.com
