Ernest "Ernie" Ray Williams, Sr.

Mr. Ernest “Ernie” Ray Williams, Sr., 95, passed away on Sunday, February 6, 2022. He was born in Yadkinville on April 19, 1926 to Earlie and Ruby Williams. Ernie graduated from Gray High School in 1943. He served in the U.S. Navy from April of 1944 to June of 1946. Ernie worked as an auto mechanic, service manager at Studebaker. He retired from R.J. Reynolds – Archer Division. Ernie was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church since 1950. He married the love of his life, Mary Rebecca Crater on June 6, 1948. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Mary in 2013; daughter, Kathy Alspaugh in 2014; and sister, Mary Fishel in 2019. Surviving family includes his son, Ernest “Sonny” Williams, Jr. (Janie); grandchildren, Matthew Alspaugh (Katie), Seth Williams (Emily), and Nathan Williams (Kendall); great-grandchildren, Jacob, Luke, Ayla, Abi, and Bowman; and sister-in-law, Betty Crater. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at Bethel United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in the church graveyard. The family will receive friends immediately following the services in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.