Howard "Squash" Williams

EAST BEND -Mr. Howard “Squash” Williams, 82, of Rockett Road, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, February 6, 2025. Born on April 13, 1942, in Yadkin County, he was the son of the late Robert “Rob” Jason Williams and Cleo Hall Williams.

Known affectionately as “Squash” by all who knew him, he was a man with a big heart and an even bigger sense of humor. He had a natural gift for making others laugh, and his warmth and wit were beloved by family, friends, and all who crossed his path. A man of his word, Squash was always prompt and reliable, and through the years, he remained devoted to his family, always present to support and cheer on his grandchildren at their ballgames.

Squash had many interests that brought him joy. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and NASCAR races, and there was nothing he loved more than settling in to watch his favorite westerns on TV. He retired with 37 years of service from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, spending the majority of his years at Whitaker Park. A faithful member of Union Cross Friends Church, Squash’s strong faith guided him through life.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Abigail “Abby” Carter Williams, and his brothers: Junior Williams (and his wife, Nelda), Jim Williams (and his wife, Sue), Billy Williams, Max Williams, and Harold Williams. He was also preceded by his sisters-in-law, Bonnie Brown (and her husband, Jimmy), and Dena Todd (and her husband, Stanley).

Squash leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion through his surviving family: his devoted children, Penny Williams Hennings (and her husband, Barry), and Mickey Monroe Williams (and his wife, Lisa); his grandchildren, Lauren Williams, Lindsey Williams Wooten (and her husband, Adam), Barrett Hennings, and R. Parkley Hennings; his great-grandchildren, Kayson Clyburn, Kannon Clyburn, and Hope Abigail Wooten. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Carol Williams, Carolyn Williams, Nancy Williams, Wilda Lucas (and her husband, Bobby), and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and an extensive circle of friends. A special thank you is extended to Benji Poindexter for his unwavering support in helping Squash with yard work and around the house.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Monday, February 10, 2025, at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM at Union Cross Friends Church, officiated by Rev. Robin Dixon, Rev. Jared Warden, and Rev. Dewayne Byrd. Interment will take place in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Union Cross Friends Church, Union Cross Church Road, Yadkinville, NC 27055.

Squash will be dearly missed, but his love, laughter, and the example of his life will forever remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.