Reaford B. ‘Willie’ Williams Sr.
October 15, 2010
A graveside service for Reaford B. Williams Sr., 86, of Hartselle, was Mon., Oct. 18, at 11 a.m. at Forest Cemetery in Gadsden with the Rev. Eric House officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing.
Mr. Williams died Fri., Oct. 15, 2010. He was born in Cullman County on Nov. 26, 1923, to Robert V. and Willie Chambers Williams. He was a Veteran of World War II and served in the United States Army Air Force in the Pacific Theater. He graduated from Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University) in 1949 and was employed by the US Army Missile Command from 1954 until 1979.
Upon retirement he volunteered at Wheeler Wildlife Refuge in Decatur.
He was a birdwatcher and built and gave away numerous bluebird boxes and enjoyed talking about birds to school students. He was a lifetime member of the Auburn Alumni Association and was an avid fan of all Auburn sports. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Hartselle.
He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Doris H. Williams of Hartselle; a brother, Leldon Williams and wife Joan of Liberty, Tex.; a sister, Charlsie Shotts of Auburn; two daughters, Susan Kopnicky and husband Joe of Hokes Bluff and Sandra Wilson and the late Gregory J. Wilson of Dallas, Ga.; a son, Ray Williams and wife Darlene of Danville; grandchildren, Kelly Booker and husband Eric of Chattanooga, Tenn., Lori McCracken and husband J.T. of Dallas, Ga., Jamie Godby and husband Tim of Canton, Ga., Chance Higdon and wife Jessica of Nesmith and Tray Williams of Danville; and five great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were J.T. McCracken, Tim Godby, Eric Booker, Chance Higdon, Tray Williams and Mark Harrison.
