Fairview, NC - Ronnie Stewart Williams, died unexpectedly Sunday, November 22, 2009, at his home in Fairview. Mr. Williams was born in Savannah, Georgia. He was the son of Willis Street and Susie Stewart Williams of Statesboro, Ga.

Raised on the family farm in Brooklet, Ga., Ronnie enjoyed his agrarian childhood raising peanuts and tobacco. He was a member of the 4-H Club. Some of his best memories from childhood were of the calves he raised for competition.

The family moved to Columbus, Ga. in his later teen years and he graduated from Baker High School in 1962. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a BBA in marketing.

Ronnie honorably served his country as an Army Ranger lieutenant with MAC-V in Vietnam from 01/1968 to 11/1970. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star for Meritorious Valor.

Employed by Tom's Snack Food Inc. of Columbus, Georgia, he purchased his own distributorship in Asheville in 1983. Mr. Williams later went to work for the US Postal Service.

He was an active member of Central United Methodist Church and attended The Inquirer's Sunday school class.

Mr. Williams is survived by wife, Cecilia Roberson Williams and two daughters, Tracey Elizabeth Graham and her husband, Jeff, of Asheville and Kimberly Anne Holley and her husband, Jon, of Greenville, N.C. and was the proud Grandpa of Aaron Stewart Holley.

The family would like to express their gratitude to friends and family for the well wishes and prayer petitions on Ronnie's behalf.

The funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, November 25, 2009, at Central United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Julie Wilburn-Peeler officiating. The family will receive friends in a reception shortly following the service in the church fellowship hall. Interment will be private at the Western Carolina Veteran's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 27 Church St., Asheville, NC 28801 or to Asheville Humane Society, 55 Shiloh Road, Suite 6, Asheville, NC 28803.

Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Avenue is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent through the website morrisfamilyfuneralhome.com

Published: 2009-11-25