Harold Gray Williams

WilliamsEast Bend - Harold Gray Williams 75 passed away Tuesday night, April 18, 2017.   Harold was born in Yadkin County on April 13, 1942 as a total surprise as he was the second baby that arrived ten minutes behind his twin brother.   Harold was born to Robert Jason Williams and Cleo Hall Williams.   Harold was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Robert Jason Jr, James Franklin (Jim), Charles Max, and two sisters in law Nelda and Abigail Williams.  Surviving are his wife of 53 years Nancy Wall Williams, two daughters Tracy Williams and Nancy Kelly Williams-Warden (James), two brothers Billy Hall (Carol) Williams and Howard Ray Williams, two sisters-in-law Nannie Sue Williams and Carolyn Williams, and many nieces and nephews. Harold had two grandchildren that were the light of his life. Cleo Grayce and Cross Wesley Warden brought so much joy to Harold.   Harold could often be found with Cross riding his golf cart or pony cart with him.   Harold was a man with many friends.  He had a larger than life personality and was liked by all.   Harold’s quick wit and charm often won over any crowd.   Harold had a huge heart and enjoyed growing produce and feeding his family and neighbors.  Harold had a love for the land that he was born own and never left it.  The love of the land has been passed on for generations.   He often said, “I was born here and couldn’t think of a better place to go home when I die”.  Harold had a love for horses and mules.  The stronger will and resistance to being broke the horse had the more determined he was to break it.  Harold enjoyed teaching young folks how to ride and handle a team of horses. Harold was a founding member of the Fall Creek Men’s Traveling Breakfast Club and enjoyed making his rounds starting every morning at 4 am with his brothers.   He loved to spend his mornings sharing stories with his buddies.   Harold was employed by R.J.  Reynolds, Archer for 40 years and in that time he made many life long friends. Harold will be remembered for being a loving husband, great father, wonderful son, great brother, outstanding grandfather, and for being a man that never met a stranger.   A Celebration of Life service will be held Wednesday April 26, 2017 at Union Cross Friends Meeting in Yadkinville, North Carolina at 5 pm, with Pastor Jake Penley officiating.  Immediately following the service a private ceremony will be held for family and close friends on the land that Harold loved.  Special thanks to Don Stroud and Eugene Brown for taking Harold on his last wagon ride. Red was Harold’s favorite color and the family requests that everyone wear red to the service.   At the family’s request they would be happy if you so desire to make a donation to the Union Cross Friends Cemetery fund.   The family has entrusted the arrangements to Gentry Family Funeral Services in Yadkinville. Online condolences may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com.