Philip "Ray" Williams

Yadkinville Mr. Philip "Ray" Williams, 78, passed away Saturday, March 5, 2016. Mr. Williams was born April 26, 1937 in Chatham County to Herman and Ola Wrenn Williams. He was a veteran of the US Navy, having served for 10 years. Mr. Williams coached little league baseball for several years, and many of his former players still call him "Coach". He worked as a wildlife officer for 10 years before coming to Unifi, where he retired in 1991 after 21 years of service. He retired early so he and Lib could travel the US in their RV, making friends where ever they would go. They finally settled at Emerald Isle Beach, where they have many special friends. Ray was a loving husband, and a wonderful father who always supported his children in their activities. He adored his grandchildren, and enjoyed watching them play sports. In addition to his parents, Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his sister, Ellen Crabtree. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Elizabeth "Lib" Jones Williams; three children, Phil (Cheryl) Williams, Kenneth Williams, and Cyndi (Tim) Driver; ten grandchildren, Nathan Williams, Wrenn (Drew) Tiernan, Arden Williams, Kara (Matt) Renegar, Kinsey Driver, Taylor Thomas, Evan Thomas, Shannon Thomas, Sophia Haley, and Sam Wood; one great grandson, Hudson Renegar; one brother, H.S. (Peggy) Williams; a sister-in-law, Wanda (Luke) Pender; several nieces and nephews; and many special friends. A memorial service will be conducted Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at 3:00PM at Gentry Family Chapel with Max Cranfill officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the family home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Yadkin Senior Center, 207 East Hemlock Street Yadkinville, NC 27055. Online condolences may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Williams family.