05/22/07 - NNHS Newsletter - Billy Williams

William Bryant Williams, Jr.
(25 Mar 1940 -  21 May 2007)

Newport News High School Class of 1957

Dear Friends and Schoolmates,   

   We have even more sad news to report.


  From Joe Madagan ('57) of FL - 05/21/07 - "  Billy Williams, NNHS Class of 1957 and Teacher":

Hi, Carol:

More sad news.

"Our dear friend and classmate, Billy Williams, passed away this morning at Riverside Hospital. Please keep his family in your prayers. More details will come as I receive them."

Stay Safe,
Joe

   Thank you, Joe.  My sincerest condolences to you and your classmates on the death of a wonderful friend.


  From Pat Beck Letzinger ('57) of VA - 05/22/07:

Hi Carol:

Just a word to inform you that 
  William B. Williams, Jr. (Billy) passed away yesterday morning in Riverside Hospital, after a hard and brave fight against cancer. For those who would like to send cards, flowers or call, the address is:

Mrs. Karen Williams
10 E. Governor Place
Newport News, VA 23602
(757) 877-7068

Click here: Guest Book - William B. Williams Jr.
 
Carol, would you take care of updating our Memorial page? 
 
NNHS Class of '57
Typhoon regards,
Patricia Beck Letzinger

   Thank you, Pat.  I was working on that even as your note arrived.  This information is also posted here:

http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/memoriam-all.html

     http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/memoriam57.html


  From Fred Mays ('60) of VA - 05/22/07:

Carol: 

I just wanted to let you know that in the Daily Press today, there is the obituary of    Dr. William B. Williams, Jr., N.N.H.S. class of 1957.  He had a sterling reputation and his death will create quite a lost to education on the Peninsula.  Unfortunately, he will miss his 50 year reunion coming up in September; however, I am sure he is already having a grand reunion with so many who have gone on before him, i.e.,   Miss Ethel Gildersleeve, our dear Dean of Girls for so many years at Newport News High School.  I observed that he was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.  Our daughter, Ansley, was a close friend of his daughter Lauren, when they were in high school.  My sympathy goes to the entire family as I am sure they are grieving greatly at this time.
 

Take care Carol, Fred Mays, '60

      Thank you, Fred - for everything.


From the Daily Press - 05/22/07:

  William Bryant Williams, Jr.
 
NEWPORT NEWS - Dr. William Bryant Williams, Jr., 67, a lifelong Newport News resident, passed away Monday, May 21, 2007 after a short illness. Dr. Williams graduated from Newport News High School, earned his B.A. from Hampden-Sydney College and Masters and Ed. D. from the College of William and Mary. He retired from Newport News Public Schools in 1991 as the Director of Instructional Services. Dr. Williams was currently the Aerospace Educator Services Project Manager in the Education Department at NASA Langley. He was a member of Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher with the Wesley class and as a Stephen Minister. Dr. Williams was the former chairman of the Newport News Sister City Commission, member of the Hampton Roads German Club and Hampton Roads Assembly. He was preceded in death by his parents Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Williams and sister, Jean W. Goodwin. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Karen Nolan Williams; three daughters, Megan W. Koeniger and husband, Mike of Newport News, Erin B. Williams of Washington, DC, and Lauren E. Williams of Arlington, Va.; one son, Colin B. Williams of the home; his sister, Peggy W. Stone and husband, Lewis; two brothers-in-law, James P. Goodwin, Jr. and Kevin W. Nolan and wife, Sandra; four nieces, Margaret G. Stickles, Lynn G. Hudson and husband, Ralph, Elizabeth S. Landry and husband, James, and M. Paige Stone; one nephew, David P. Nolan and wife, Cassie; four great-nephews, James and Bryant Landry, and Lee and Kevin Stickles; and great-great niece, Katelynn Stickles. He is also survived by his dear friends from the Newport News High School class of 1957. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday at Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the home. As requested by Dr. Williams, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society and Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church. Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Published in the Daily Press on 5/22/2007.
Guest Book

 

Billy Williams
Fall of 1956
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Dear Mom Williams and Family,

I can't begin to tell you how sad I was to hear about Dad Williams. I'll always remember his generous and loving personality. He will truly be missed!

Love and prayers to you all,

Michelle
Michelle Joyce (Milton, DE) - May 22, 2007
 
 
Jo and I are very sorry to hear of Billy's passing. Jo stated that she first met both Billy and Karen at Warwick High School as they both taught her. We came to know Billy even more at Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church as members of the Wesley Bible Class where Billy was our teacher. Billy was a wonderful husband, father, educator, Christian and gentleman. He was the best and will be missed greatly. The good news is that he is now in heaven without any pain and looks down on us all to be better for knowing him. Our sympathy is extended to Karen and the rest of the family as you handle the current situation. Please take comfort in knowing that Billy loved you all and is now in a better place. He will be your guardian angel now and forever.
Richard & Jo Rawls (Yorktown, VA) - May 22, 2007
Contact me
 
It has been my pleasure of knowing and working with Bill. He was the true professional and we will miss his leadership and dedication to NASA's educational programs. My deepest sympathy!
George Allison (Portsmouth, WY) - May 22, 2007
 
 
I was saddened to hear of Bill's passing. He was a kind, caring, and considerate person. I am happy that he and I had the opportunity to work together and share many enjoyable conversations. I will miss him very much. My sincere sympathy to all the members of his family.
Dr. Stanley P. Jones (Herndon, VA) - May 22, 2007
Contact me
 
Megan, I understand and it will take time but they tell me it will get better. I am here for you if you need me. Tough times don't last, but tough individuals do.
Valaida Benton (Franklin, VA) - May 22, 2007
 
 
Dear Williams Family,

Mark & I were saddened to hear of your loss. We know it is a great loss. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. I have many great memories with your family that I will cherish forever. Our love and prayers are with all of you.
Love,
Shawnda Carr
Shawnda Carr (Newport News, VA) - May 22, 2007
 
 
The prayers & condolences of my family are with you. My days of working with Bill through the Tiger, Cub, and Weblo Scout programs were always a joy due in part to Bill's caring and tender ways. I'm sure his impact on each of those young people won't go unnoticed.
Sincerely,
Lee, Pam, Chris & Aaron Heft
Lee Heft (Hampton, VA) - May 22, 2007 
Contact me
 
If you want to see the mark of a truly gentle, humble, GOOD man you only had to know Bill Williams.

(I wrote more after the first line but I erased the rest as I cannot write ANYthing further which could add to the above statement. We all know what a kind, kind man he was.)
William Bensen (Virginia Beach, VA) - May 22, 2007
 
 
Dear Karen and family. I am so distressed to hear of Billy's untimely passing. We are still in Florida and unable to be there for you, but know that we are thinking of you. Billy & I had many wonderful times together while working in the NNPS and I reflect on all of those times with great affection. My deepest sympathy to you.
Mary Ellen Beale (Haines City, FL) - May 22, 2007
 
 
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Bill Williams. I worked with him in the Langley Research Center's Office of Education for over 3 years until I left in September 2006. He was a dear friend and human being. I will miss him and his good humor.
Chip Phelps (Fairfax, VA) - May 22, 2007 
Contact me
 
It is with great sadness upon hearing the passing of Dr. Williams. He was a staunch supporter of NASA education and many of us will miss his pleasant temperament and eternal optimism. God Speed.
William O. Robertson (AL) - May 22, 2007  
Contact me
 
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Williams's passing. I remember with fondness his caring manner, and always considered him "one of the good guys." Please know that I have the Williams family in my thoughts and prayers.
Leslie Horton (Newport News) - May 22, 2007  
Contact me
 
During the past two and one-half years as I worked with Bill in the NASA Langley Office of Strategic Communications, my appreciation grew for his commitment to students, excellence in teaching and excellence in educational programs. NASA Office of Education is blessed that Bill passed that way and gave so much of himself. My condolences to Bill's family. I am so glad I got to know him.
Christine Darden (Hampton, VA) - May 22, 2007
 
 
Dear Meagan and Family,

Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers, here at the Achievable Dream Academy, in the loss of your father.

With Sympathy,
Hans and Denise Malebranche (Carrollton, VA) - May 22, 2007
 
 
We grew up in together in church and school and I remember his wonderful voice in the church choir. We had no contact after High School graduation so I am delighted to see what a wonderful life he lived.
Dr. Richard Prince (Virginia Beach, VA) - May 22, 2007
Contact me
 
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
ED & PHYLLIS STICKLES (ORANGE PARK, FL) - May 22, 2007
 
 
I have often prayed for Bill, and thank God for the chance to know him. I know Bill is now with our Lord and experiencing love beyond our understanding. My prayers are now for his family, God's comfort and peace with with all of you.
Elaine Lewis (Greenbelt, MD) - May 22, 2007
Contact me
 
Karen and Family,

I was one of many people who were so fortunate to meet Bill through our work together with NASA education programs. You graciously had us in your home after our Langley workshops at times.

Words fail us, at times like this. Know how much we admired Bill as an educator. He will be greatly missed.

With prayers and sympathy,
Jane Neuenschwander
Wheeling Jesuit University ERC
Jane Neuenschwander (Wheeling, WV) - May 22, 2007
Contact me
 
I had the privilege and joy of working with Bill for several years at NASA.

His loss will be felt by many for a very long time. He touched many lives in the most positive manner.

My heartfelt sympathy to his family.
Natalie Friend (Norfolk, VA) - May 22, 2007
 
 
Dear Karen and family,
I was so truly sorry for you yesterday when I heard about Billy. I cherish the memories of when you, Billy & I taught together at Warwick High School so many years and dreams ago. My family and I will keep you in our prayers.
Love Jean & girls
Jean Skorupa (Newport News, VA) - May 22, 2007 
 
 
Bill lived a wonderful life and inspired people wherever he went. He made every day in our office at NASA Langley Research Center an adventure and I am so happy that I had the privilege of working with him while I was in Virginia. The many people he met along his life’s journey are all better for having known him.
Tisha Hoaas (Shreveport, LA) - May 22, 2007
 
 
Dear Williams'

I was saddened to hear of your loss. You were my second family during my days at W&M with Erin. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Teri
Teri Lane (Winston-Salem, NC) - May 22, 2007
 
 
I'
C - May 22, 2007 
 
 
 
 
 
D
C - May 22, 2007
 
 
D
H - May 22, 2007
 
 
We
Dr- May 22, 2007
 
 
 
- May 22, 2007
 
 
I ha
D - May 22, 2007
 
 
M
Va - May 22, 2007
 
 
D
 
S - May 22, 2007
 
 
T
L - May 22, 2007 
 
 
If
W - May 22, 2007
 
 
De
M - May 22, 2007
 
 
I'
C - May 22, 2007 
 
 
 
 
 
D
C - May 22, 2007
 
 
D
H - May 22, 2007
 
 
We
Dr- May 22, 2007
 
 
 
- May 22, 2007
 
 
I ha
D - May 22, 2007
 
 
M
Va - May 22, 2007
 
 
D
 
S - May 22, 2007
 
 
T
L - May 22, 2007 
 
 
If
W - May 22, 2007
 
 
De
M - May 22, 2007
 
 
I'
C - May 22, 2007 
 
 
 
 

  Our deepest sympathies are extended to the Williams family and their friends at this difficult time.


   Y'all take good care of each other!  TYPHOONS FOREVER!

                          Love to all, Carol

==============================================

NNHS CLASS OF '65 WEB SITE: http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com

PERSONAL WEB SITE: http://www.angelfire.com/weird2/cluckmeat

==============================================

Carol Buckley Harty
219 Four Ply Lane
Fayetteville, NC 29311-9305
910-488-9408


Lead, Kindly Light

Words by John Henry Newman, 1833
Music by John B. Dykes, 1865


Lead, kindly Light, amid th’encircling gloom,
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home;
Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.

I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou
Shouldst lead me on;
I loved to choose and see my path; but now
Lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will. Remember not past years!

So long Thy power hath blessed me, sure it will,
Will lead me on.
O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone,
And with the morn those angel faces smile,
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile!

Meantime, along the narrow rugged path,
Thyself hast trod,
Lead, Savior, lead me home in childlike faith,
Home to my God.
To rest forever after earthly strife
In the calm light of everlasting life.


"Lead, Kindly Light" midi (MIDI sequence copyright © 2002 Brian M. Ames) and lyrics courtesy of http://junior.apk.net/~bmames/ht0320_.htm - 12/20/04

  Downloadable Sheet Music (Craig Petrie's TTBB arrangement) available at http://www.petriefamily.org/ldsmusic/pdfs/leadkind.pdf - 01/01/04

Greg Olsen Paintings courtesy of http://gregolsengallery.com – 01/27/05

Blackwork Flowers Divider Line clip art courtesy of http://www.bravenet.com - 08/12/04

Marine Corps Seal clip art courtesy of Herbert Hice of MI - one of my Famous Marines who served in the South Pacific during WWII.
Thanks, Herbie!

Army Seal clip art courtesy of Al Farber ('64) of GA - 05/24/06
Thanks, Al!

Back to NNHS Newsletters - 2006

Back to NNHS Newsletters - 2007

Return to NNHS Class of 1965