Howard Yates Williams (8-28-12)

JEFFERSON - Howard Yates Williams, lovingly known as "Dadaw," 96, died on Tuesday, August 28, 2012.

He was born May 20, 1916, in Poseyville, Ind. and graduated with top honors from Decker High School in Decker, Ind. Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 61 years, Mildred M. Williams, as well as sisters, Martha Jenkins, Virginia Martyn, Dorothy Ellen Terrell, and his brother, Jack Williams.
Survivors include his four children, Jean Stanley, Thomas Williams, John Williams and Karen Parrish; ten grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; and sister, Joan Williams.

Howard was an United States Army World War II veteran with the Engineer Parts Supply Company from 1943 to 1946. He served overseas in New Guinea and the Philippines. He was a Master Sergeant and was offered a field commission of 2nd Lieutenant, but refused in order to return home to his wife, daughter, and his position with the USDA.

He worked with the USDA in Washington, D.C. and Beltsville, Md. for 13 years. He spent 26 months of that time in the U.S. Army. He transferred to USDA Citrus Station in Orlando, Fla. in 1953 and worked there for the next 11 years. In 1964, he was transferred to the USDA Poultry Research Lab in Athens, where he retired in 1973 after 33 years of service. After retiring, he went to work at Beech Haven Baptist Church as the property manager. He completely retired in 1992 to be able to take care of his wife due to her health issues.

While living in Athens, Howard and his family were longtime members of Beech Haven Baptist Church. In 2007, he moved in with his youngest daughter and her husband in Jefferson. While living in Jefferson, he became a member of Maysville Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, West, Bogart. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 1, at the funeral home chapel with burial at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Athens.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, West, has charge of arrangements.

www.lordandstephens.com