Fred Russell Williams

Mr. Fred Russell Williams departed this life on Sunday May 20, 2018 at the Veterans Hospice is Swannanoa, NC after a period of declining health. Mr. Williams was born in Burke County on January 23, 1936 to Lennie and Ilar Williams. In addition to his father and mother, he was preceded in death by five brothers and two sisters, Jodie Ervin Sr., Lennie Williams, Charles Williams, William "Chuck" Williams and Winfield Williams, Ruthie Ervin McGraw and Patsy Williams Michaux.

He was a member of Gaston Chapel AME Church. Fred served in the Navy for over 22 years of his life and was a member of the Navy Seabee builders as his primary trade while in the Navy. He worked at Dana when he returned home from the military for many years. And he finished out his last working years at Drexel Heritage until his retirement.

He leaves to mourn his memory: his four sons Marcus and Kevin Williams (Kim) of California, Scott (Pookie) Williams of Durham, NC, and Khary Sims of Detroit, MI. Two special women, Annette Bourgeois (Marcus and Kevin's mother), Pei Ling Williams (Scott's mother), grandchildren Marcus "Moe" Williams, Shayla Williams, and Montana Branch of California, Jada Williams of Durham, NC and Jhazmin and Jhvon Slay of Detroit, MI. He leaves behind six brothers and sisters: Caine Wallace of Greensboro, NC, Bettye Harris (Millard), Paul Williams, Linda Fleming (Jimmy), Barbara Williams and Larry Williams of Morganton, NC and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss him dearly.

The family will greet friends from 12 to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, May 26, 2018 at Gaston Chapel AME Church.  The funeral service will follow at 12:30 p.m. in the church.  Military honors will be provided by the US Navy and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.sossomanfh.com.