William “The Chief” E. Williams, 90 died Wednesday February 25, 2015 in his home at Spring Meadows Assisted Living Facility, Libertyville, IL where he resided with his wife Elizabeth M. Williams since September 13, 2014. He died of complications related to COPD. Prior to his move to Libertyville, IL he resided in Pasadena, Maryland, for the last 20 years.
Born September 23, 1924 in Baltimore Maryland where he grew up. As a young man he attended Mount Saint Joseph High School, along with his two brothers Kenneth and Edward and graduated in the “Class of 42”. After high school he attended 1 year of college for accounting then joined the United States Navy where he served until he received an Honorable Discharge, July 17, 1967 with a rank of E7. During his service to his country he received the Good Conduct Medal( Fourth Award), Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern American Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, World War II Victory Medal and National Defense Service Medal (Second Award). He also attended the U.S. Naval School of Justice for Court Reporting. He was stationed at the U. S. Naval Station, Trinidad B.W.I. when he met his beautiful wife Elizabeth Mary Hope-Ross. They were married June 28, 1958. After his retirement from the U.S. Navy he returned to work in the private sector where he worked until he retired completely. He was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 24, American Legion Chapter 40 and a member of “The Greatest Generation” a World War II Veteran.
Besides being a good husband, the best dad and an awesome grandpa and great grandpa, he was an endearing and supportive Uncle. It was a family tradition and a rite of passage for his grandsons and nephews to refer to him as “The Chief”. He also was an accomplished Violin player and a lifelong Redskins Fan. He loved Golf, John Wayne movies, Boating and “shooting the breeze” as he would say. He also loved his family and country. He was a true Patriot. He is loved and missed by all of us.
William is preceded in death by his father Frederick Williams, mother Marie Anna Williams, brothers Kenneth and Edward Williams and his sister Marie Dorothy Denney.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years: Elizabeth M. Williams in Libertyville,IL ,daughter Eleanor Siegert Millham and husband John, son Douglas A. Williams, daughter Donna T. Leck and husband John, grandsons Jason, Steven and Sean, granddaughter Tonya, great grand children Zoey and Daniel and numerous nieces and nephews.
His wish was to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The date is yet to be determined. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Jane Frances Church in Pasadena, Maryland, prior to his interment. The date of these events will be determined upon notification from Arlington National Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org/Donate
For further information contact Ellie Siegert Millham at 410-562-7676.
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