Obituary: Wallace Jerome Williams
Wallace Jerome Williams, age 97, departed his Earthly life and transitioned into eternal life during the early hours of June 4th, 2022. Wallace, affectionately known as “Little Ting”, was born to Bert Williams and Nellie Murphy Williams on March 2nd, 1925, in his lifelong hometown of Dover, North Carolina.
Wallace Williams was driven in life by God, family, and country. His faith was openly demonstrated through many years of membership at the Dover United Methodist Church in service through Mens’ Ministries as well as several other capacities. An avid reader of the Holy Bible, Wallace was intentional in relying on the Word of God as the guiding voice of his spirit and the foundation of his life. Even after he was unable to attend church in person, he maintained fellowship with the members. Several members of the church recently shared in the celebration of his 97th birthday by visiting him at home, which brought him immense joy. Wallace always remained a quiet and humble philanthropist at heart.
He frequently contributed to noble charities such as Boys Town and many other compassionate causes. Over the course of several years, he earned a series of Masonic degrees, eventually becoming a Master Mason, and later proudly serving as a Sudan Shriner in his efforts to contribute to the future of children and families in need. His dedication to his family was continuously exemplified through the steadfast honoring of his parents, unwavering reliability to his many cherished siblings as well as their children, and his dedicated provision to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His earnest commitment can be traced back to his teenage years, sacrificing his formal high school education to be a provider within his household, and later working tirelessly year after year to provide a higher quality of life for so many family members. In later years, Wallace and Dixie eagerly hosted the extended family over for lunch every Sunday.
Despite the sudden loss of Dixie in 2010, Wallace and her children ensured the tradition continued, enabling the family to remain strong, together, while weathering the storm after the loss of a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Wallace also enjoyed sharing his love for music, history, and Westerns with the family. Many family members share his love of making lists and getting them accomplished.
Wallace’s heart for his homeland was evident in his many years of service with the Civilian Conservation Corps, the United States Army, and civilian labor proudly performed at the Naval Air Rework Facility at Cherry Point. Wallace retired from Cherry Point with over 30 years of service. A remarkable storyteller, he often reflected in great detail on his many adventures while serving, most notably his involvement with the construction of the Panama Canal.
Wallace leaves a lasting legacy of love for his younger brother, Pete Williams of Albuquerque, New Mexico; his three children, Nancy West and husband Randal of Kinston, Marilyn Morton of Kinston, and Wallace “Bit” Williams, Jr. and wife Melissa of Greenville; his grandchildren, Jay Conner and wife Jennifer, Mark Conner and wife Amanda, Matthew Conner and fiancé Felicia Pike, Jeremy Morton, Harrison Williams, and Addison Williams; his great grandchildren, Courtney Conner, Sean Conner, Tanner Heath, Olivia Conner, and Alyssa Conner; and an abundance of nieces and nephews.
The immediate and extended family would like to express significant appreciation of longtime caretaker and selfless friend, neighbor and nephew Wallace Spencer.
Wallace was preceded in death by his faithful love of 55 years, Dixie, and beloved parents and numerous siblings. Father Bert Williams and mother Nellie, sister Ruby Brinkley and husband Edward, sister Hazel Spencer and husband Edwin, sister Macy Williams, sister Jean Whitley and husband PG, sister Evelyn Pitts and husband Bill, and brother Bert “Babby” Williams.
The family is sincerely grateful for and appreciative of the outpouring of prayers, visits, memories, and expressions of love already shared since his passing. Our peace comes in knowing he is now eternally healed.
There will be a Celebration of Life open to all friends and family at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 8th, at Westview Cemetery in Kinston, NC, officiated by Reverend Clint White.
Memorials or donations may be made in Wallace’s name to the Dover United Methodist Church.
