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Wayne R. Williams

Company B-1

26 Jan 1939 – 22 Jun 2001

Place of Death: Smyrna, DE

Interment: Summit Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, Delaware

Wayne R. Williams

Wayne Russell Williams was the epitome of “Duty, Honor, Country.” He was born in Salisbury, a rural area on the eastern shore of Maryland. His parents, Clarence and Grace Williams, always expected Wayne to excel in school, sports, or whatever he pursued in life. He did not disappoint them. Wayne graduated from Delmar High School, receiving five letters in baseball, four letters in football, and two letters in basketball. He made the All-Star teams in football and baseball and attended Boys’ State.

Based on his strong academic and athletic achievements, Wayne was accepted for entrance at many colleges. Wayne chose West Point because of the challenges the Academy offered him. He thoroughly enjoyed his West Point experience, especially the camaraderie among his classmates. While there, Wayne played football and baseball. He was captain of the baseball team and an All-East selectee in baseball. Wayne had a special bond with his roommate, Francis “Hoot” Gibson. Hoot spent two years refereeing an at time stormy relationship between Wayne and his girl friend, Ann. With Frank’s help they became engaged and Hoot was able to relax. Upon graduation in June 1961,Wayne and Ann were married.

Wayne was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Artillery and headed to Ft. Sill and Ft. Bliss for Basic Officers Courses. He served with Air Defense units in California and Korea and later was selected to be the aide-de-camp to the Commanding General, U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command. In Viet Nam, Wayne was the Battalion Executive Officer, 3d Battalion, 34th Field Artillery, 9th Infantry Division. Returning from Korea Wayne attended the Command and General Staff College followed by a second tour in Korea. He returned to West Point to be a Company Tactical Officer for the 2d Regiment. Wayne then went to Germany and served in the 1st Battalion, 81st Field Artillery. Here he was united with his good friend and fellow officer, Fred Pope. Upon return to the States, Wayne was assigned as Chief, Personnel Service Division, Ft. Devens, MA, and Assistant Director, Personnel and Community Activities. He culminated his military career as the Deputy Commander, New York Area Command, Ft. Hamilton, NY.

In addition to his undergraduate degree, Wayne earned a master’s degree in business administration from Western New England College. When Wayne retired from the Army in the summer of 1983, the Williams family settled at Garrison Lake Golf Course in Smyrna, DE. Their home was on the edge of the eighth hole. Wayne worked for the State of Delaware Insurance Commissioner and was a real estate agent. Wayne’s love of the golf course was only exceeded by his love for his wife, Ann. Their marriage resulted in 40 years of a wonderful partnership.

Dedication to his military career and country was everything to Wayne, civilian life leaving much to be desired. His family and friends always were “numbero uno.” His love and devotion to all was “second to none” and we will miss him!

Wayne died suddenly at home on June 22, 2001.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Ann, their two sons, Chet and Darin, and four grandchildren.

Remembrances:

Class Memorial Pages\B-1 Wayne Williams.pdf

Since the memorial article was in the Assembly, I have received several letters from classmates, and I just want to thank you all so much for your thoughtfulness and kind thoughts about Wayne.  I can't believe that 22 Jun he will have been gone one year.

Thank you all,
Ann

1 West Fairways Circle
Smyrna, DE 19977

Our classmate, Wayne R. Williams, died of a massive heart attack on Friday, June 22, 2001, in his home in Smyrna, Delaware. Following his funeral service in Smyrna on June 27, he was buried in the Summit Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear, Delaware. An Army Honor Guard from Aberdeen, Maryland, presented appropriate honors at the ceremony.

The following is extracted from the notice in the local newspaper:

Colonel Wayne R. Williams was born in Delmar, Md., son of Grace Hurley of Salisbury, Md., and the late Clarence Williams. He graduated from Delmar High School, and then from the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York, in 1961. While at the Academy, he participated in sports and was the captain of the baseball team.

Colonel Williams then received a Master of Business Administration degree from Western New England College. During his years of service, he served around the world, including tours in Vietnam, Korea and Germany. He retired from the U.S. Army in 1983.

Among his numerous military awards were: the Bronze Star Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal with "V for Valor" device, the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm denoting a second award with silver star, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with three service stars, two overseas service bars, and the parachute badge.

Colonel Williams volunteered his coaching abilities in many youth athletic programs during his military career. He was an avid golfer and member of the Garrison Lake Golf Course, and was active in the Rotary Club.

In addition to his mother, Colonel Williams is survived by his wife of forty years, Ann J. Williams of Smyrna; two sons and two daughters-in-law, Chet and Sue Williams of Cockeysville, Md., and Darin and Deana Williams of Fruitland, Md.; and four grandchildren.

Message from Wayne’s classmates: Wayne, we salute you for a job “Well Done! Be thou at peace.”