Deacon Rolland Williams departed this life on Nov. 3, 2010, at the age of 98. Mr. Williams was born Dec. 12, 1911, in Lynnhaven, Virginia Beach, Va. He was the ninth of 10 children (six boys and four girls) born to James and Rosa Williams.

At the age of 19 he moved to Huntington, W.Va., where he worked as a baker. From there he migrated to Wayne, Pa. By this time he had a wife and three young children. Later he moved to Ardmore, Pa., where he resided for over 65 years. After moving to Ardmore, he began employment with the Autocar Company which later became known as the White Motor Company. He remained with them for 13 years as the shop steward and group leader. From there he gained employment with the Radnor School District, first as a school bus driver, next the head electrician and then the shop manager, a position he held until his retirement.

Deacon Williams’ Christian life began at the age of 12. His sincerity and devotion to his church was rewarded by his elevation to the position of state treasurer for the Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania of the Church of God In Christ. He served in this position 36 years.

After outliving two wives, and having reached the age of 95, he agreed to make the move to Oak Harbor to stay with his daughter and son-in-law, Dr. Joyce and Henry Foxx. He is also survived by a sister, Mabel Spady, 96, of Paoli, Pa.; two sons, Rev. Rolland Williams, Jr. of Philadelphia and Rev. Waverly Williams of Chesapeake, Va. Eleven grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 17 great-great-grandchildren, and two great-great-great grandchildren also mourn his loss.

Viewing and visitation will be held at Burley Funeral Chapel, 30 SE Ely St., Oak Harbor on Thursday, Nov. 11, from 1 to 5 p.m. A state celebration of his life will be held in Philadelphia, Pa.