PELLA, Iowa — Raymond Lee Williams was born on Dec. 31, 1946, to William John and Lydia Rose Bessel Williams in Ashtabula, Ohio. He passed away Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012, at the Pella Regional Health Center at the age of sixty-five.
On April 2, 1966, Ray was united in marriage with Barbara Lee Riffle in Saybrook, Ohio. To this union three children were born: Ty Andrew, Raymond Lee II, and Tracy Ann. The family lived in Geneva, Ohio, and Streamwood, Ill., prior to moving to Pella.
On Jan. 17, 1966, Ray joined the United States Army. He served with the 101st Airborne Rangers in Vietnam 1967-68. While serving he received a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. After completing his tour in Vietnam, he was stationed at Fort Meade, Md. as Staff Sgt. E6 and was discharged on Jan. 18, 1969.
Ray was the North American Sales Manager for Stober Drives, Inc. which manufactured power transmissions. He was employed with the company for twenty years, and was set to retire Dec. 31, 2012. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara of Pella; his children, Ty (Tricia) Williams of Pella, and Tracy Ann (Paul) Luce of Sun City, Ariz.; his grandchildren, Sierra Jordan Williams, Savannah Jade Williams, Saylor Jace Williams, Treyson Andrew Williams and Sage Kasmera Luce; brother, William John (Jane) Williams Jr.; sisters, Rosemary (Walter) Asuma and Donna Jean (Phillip) Adams; nieces and nephews, John (Renee) Williams, Jason (Diane) Williams, Lisa Asuma-Riley, Holly (Randy) Benski and Heidi (Jeremey) Verdi.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lydia Williams; son, Raymond Lee Williams II; father-in-law, Warren Riffle; and a nephew, Richard Lee Asuma.
Funeral Services will be held 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 22nd, at GARDEN CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME of Pella, Iowa.
Memorials may be designated to the Hospice of Pella.
Obituary and condolences at www.gardenchapel.com and starbeacon.com.
