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Established 1948   Dorthy Eloise "Dot" Rutan Williams was born May 2, 1924 in Lema, Illinois. She died in Sherman, Texas March 30, 2006. She is survived by her husband, David Williams, whom she married on November 10, 1943.  Major
David W. Williams, Retired USAF, made his final flight home to heaven
September 17, 2019. David "Dave" Weldy Williams was born April
23, 1922, son of Weldy and Ada Williams in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. When Dave was 7 years old, his mother passed away, and he went to live in Washington, D.C. with his aunt and uncle, Edith and Carl Bergman. When he graduated from McKinley High in 1940, he joined the Army Air Corps as a mechanic and his new life began. In late December 1942, Dave qualified for Aviation Cadet training in Phoenix, Arizona at Williams Air Base, Flying was a life-long love. On his way to Arizona, Dave stopped in Champaign, Illinois at Chanute Air Base. There he met the other love of his life, Dorothy "Dot" Rutan. They dated until he left for Williams AFB, where Dave completed his training, was given the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and received his wings. On the way home to D.C., he stopped to see Dot. As the story goes by Dave's account, "When Dot saw those wings, she said, 'Let's get married'." And he said, "OK." Thus his life in the military with Dot began. Dave was assigned to California for Combat Training in the P-38 Lightning. For the duration of World War II, he was assigned to the 8th Air Force in England, specifically, the 364th Wing. Dave's greatest distinction during the war came when his fighter group participated as bomber escorts during the D-Day Invasion of Normandy, France. They were called the "Little Friends." At the conclusion of World War II, Dot and Dave were stationed at Johnson Air Force Base in Irumagawa, Japan (during the occupation). Their first child, Mary, was born there in 1949. The family was later transferred to Turner Air Force Baser in Albany, Georgia, where their son, David, was born in 1954. Dave's last tour of duty was Perrin Air Force Baser in Sherman, Texas. In 1962 Major Williams retired after 22 years in the U.S. Air Force. Not one to stay idle long, Dave began studies at Southeastern State College in Durant, Oklahoma. He was awarded a degree in Industrial Arts and History in June 1965. He taught at Dillingham Junior High in Sherman School District for 20 years before retiring from teaching. He had loved his second career almost as much as his first. Dot and Dave spent their retirement traveling the country in their 5th wheeler and going to the Air Force reunions of his fighter squadrons. They especially loved being winter visitors to McAllen, Texas. They met and enjoyed the company of many new friends in South Texas. When Dot passed away in 2006, Dave discovered a new way to share his knowledge of the history of the military by becoming a volunteer at the Perrin AFB Museum in Sherman. At the Museum he made many new friends and developed a passion for being part of this wonderful family. His buddies were Jim Farris, Charlie Giarraputo, Dan Stange and John Elkins. They would spend hours reminiscing about their Air Force service and exploits. They loved sharing their stories and enlightening the visitors who toured the museum. A special group of ladies who were also volunteers at the Museum did their best to keep that group of guys in line. They are Mary Day, Ginnie Ammons, Laura Longmire and Bernie Stange. He spent many hours enjoying this camaraderie. The special group of men and women gave him great joy and sincere friendship during his later years without Dot. Another valued friend and caregiver to both Dot and Dave was Edna Draper. Edna had always been there when they needed her over the past 13 years. She was a big part of the Williams family and they will be forever grateful for her devotion and kindness. Dave was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife. He is survived by his daughter, Mary Heard, of Yuma, Arizona; and son, David and wife, Debbie Williams of Salado, Texas; grandson, Jim and wife Stacey Heard; and great-grandsons, Justin, JT and Grayson of Mesa, Arizona; granddaughter, Maggie and husband, Mike Kipp and great-grandchildren, Molly, Maeve and Morgan of Phoenix, Arizona; and grandson, Scott and wife, Carrie Williams and great-granddaughter (on the way), Elliott of Portland, Oregon. In honor of Major Williams, and all the men and women who have served, are serving, and will serve in our armed forces, please make a visit to the Perrin AFB to see and experience the wonderful exhibits and special memorabilia representative of our American military services.  Cedarlawn Cemetery Susan Hawkins © 2024 If you find any of Grayson County TXGenWeb links inoperable, please send me a message. |