Ellis Williams
July 21, 1920 — July 23, 2010
Ellis Vyvyan Williams, 90, of DeFuniak Springs, died July 23, 2010.
Ellis was born on July 21, 1920, in Columbus, GA, to Mary Florence and Rev. George Williams. He was graduated from Bay High School in Panama City Fl in 1938. He joined the United States Navy and served with the Navy Construction Battalion (Sea-Bees) during WWII in the Pacific. He married Betty Perry in 1944. After moving around the United States following construction work for several years they settled in DeFuniak Springs in 1955, and he worked on Eglin Air Force Base as an electrical inspector in the Construction Management Branch of the Civil Engineering Division. He retired from Eglin in 1981 after over 30 years of service.
Ellis was active in his church and community. He was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. He was a state officer for the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), a member of the Lions Club, a Master of the Masonic Lodge #225, board member for CHELCO, and officer for the Walton County Fair Grounds Committee and Farmer's Co-op, Farm Bureau, Tri-County Council, and Electrical Workers Union (60 years).
Being quite handy, he enjoyed working at the church and helping neighbors and family members with any extra projects or repairs they may have needed, whether it was repairing a roof, trimming a tree, or doing electrical work. He will be remembered for his generosity and willingness to serve.
Aside from spending time with family, Ellis also enjoyed farming. He raised cows, hogs and goats, kept horses, and maintained a small vineyard.
Among survivors are is wife of 66 years, Betty Jean Perry Williams. His children,Vivian Powell and husband Keenan, Pat Williams, Scott Williams and wife Linda, Billy Williams and Rusty Williams. Six Grandchildren and four great grandchildren also survive.
Floral arrangements are being accepted or memorials may be made in Ellis Williams' memory to Anderson Broxson Cemetery Fund, 3393 County Road 183B,
DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433. A time of visitation will be one hour prior to funeral time. Funeral services will be held Sunday, July 25, 2010 at 3:00 P.M. in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Reverend Phil McMillan and Reverend Kenneth Harrison officiating. Services will conclude inside the church. Private family interment will take place.