Fred Williams, retired chief petty officer

Fred Williams, 79, of Millsboro, passed away in the care of Beebe Healthcare in Lewes Friday, Oct. 26, 2018.   He was born in West Pittston, Pa., Aug. 4, 1939, to the late Thomas and Florence Jacobs Williams.

He served in the U.S. Navy for 22 years. He married Julie Diehl in 1962, and raised two children.  After retirement, he continued working as an HVAC mechanic until moving to Delaware in 1995. He has been a longtime member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, as well as the FRA retired association.  He loved gardening, golf, classic country music, watching football (he played tackle in his champion football team in high school). He was an avid crabber and  loved captaining his pontoon boat on the Indian River.  He and his wife crossed the U.S. three times in their RV and loved the adventure.

He was a very generous and kind man who loved to tell stories and jokes, and would do anything for anyone in need, often complete strangers.  He was loved by all who knew him.  He was exceptionally proud of his grandchildren: Cole Anderson, who is a new alumni of George Washington University; and Ryan Anderson, a freshman at Virginia Tech.  Fred was a “professional grampy.”

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Julie D. Williams; and his children: Allyson Yinger and her husband Greg of Mt. Airy, Md., and Melanie Anderson and her husband Kerry of Millsboro.  He was preceded by his brother, Col. Tom Williams, USMC, a decorated veteran interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

A Memorial Service with conferring of military honors will be conducted at the Chapel in the Delaware Veterans Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, Monday, Nov. 19, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Dr. James Van Der Wall officiating.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to a charity of your choice.

Electronic condolences to: www.watsonfh.com.