Warren Wayne Williams
Warren Wayne Williams was born in east Texas in the small town of Bardwell on August 27, 1916 to Warren C. Williams and Sue G. Watson; his brother Arlie was born about 5 years later. He had a strong command of Texas history, world history, U. S. history, and many other disciplines. He was a spelling master. He was a math wiz. He could build just about anything. He could grow all kinds of plants. He made bread. He could sew a dress. Mend a fence. Build a gate. Ride a horse. Raise cows. Shoot or catch dinner. Comfort a crying child, and show kindness to strangers. He read poetry and good night stories with his rich and warm voice. He has a great laugh, and quick wit, he could be charming. He loved instrumental music, the classics and easy listening. He paid close attention to the news. Some of his last words were, “I want to thank everyone for the kindness shown to me.”
He entered the Army in 1937 at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. After a few years he began his Naval career where he earned both respect and honor for saving lives during enemy attack while serving on the U.S.S. Hancock CV-19. He retired in 1952. His next venture was teaching first through eighth grades in a one room school in Northern California. Later, he became a California State Correctional Officer and finally he became a U.S. Customs Agent. He enjoyed moving often. He was stationed at NAS Whidbey Island in 1949 and returned often. He especially enjoyed working and living in Tok, Alaska. In his later years he enjoyed living on Padre Island, Texas.
He passed away on June 26, 2006, at Careage of Whidbey after long and recurrent bouts of pneumonia. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, of 61 years; his son Michael Wayne Williams and spouse, Connie, of Henderson, Nevada; daughter and spouse, Mira and Stephen Thomas; his nephew Dave Wayne Williams and spouse Karen of Juneau, Alaska; his grandchildren, Andrea and spouse Steve Garcia and great grandchildren Kristen and Ryan Garcia of Sedro Woolley, his grandson, Scott Williams and spouse Kim of Mountain Home Arkansas, his grandson Vincent Thomas and spouse Amy; and great grandchildren Brittany, Korttany, and Josiah, of Camano Island, his grand daughter, Letitia and her spouse Lucas; and great grandchild Beckham of Seattle, and many friends.
Memorial services were held at the Prairie Outlook in Coupeville across from the cemetery on June 29 in a celebration of his life. Officiating was Ron Willis, pastor of the Family Bible Church.
