MANSFIELD: Willis Aubra Williams was called home to be with his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ Wednesday morning, February 11, 2015 in his Mansfield home surrounded by his family. He was 93.
He was born November 15, 1921 in Clarksburg, WV to parents Lester & Ona Gay (Matson) Williams as their second son. The family moved to the Mansfield area in 1938. Willis proudly served in the the US Army during World War II.
He worked at several factories before retiring from CMP Corp. as a machinist. While working at Stevens Mfg. in Lexington a striking young lady named Shirley Anne Huvler caught his eye and the pair was married February 26, 1965.
Willis was a member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church and Steam Corners United Methodist Church in Mansfield where he faithfully attended for over 50 years, taught Sunday School, and served as Superintendant. He was an honorary member of the Bee Keepers of Richland & Morrow Counties and was affectionately known as Mr. Bee Man. He truly enjoyed talking about bees at schools, nursing homes, Richland and Morrow County Fairs, and Malabar Heritage Days.
He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Shirley (Huvler) Williams of Mansfield; five daughters (& their husbands) Linda & Bill Briggs of Mansfield, Audrey Williams of Galion, “Mickey” & Ed Bauer of Palm Desert, CA, Amy & Norman Warren of Canton, NC, and Vanessa & Aubrey Werstler of Uniontown; eleven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three brothers Charles & Lois Williams of FL, Hansford & Carolyn Williams of FL, and Curtis & Susan Williams of CA; a sister Alda & Earl Parvin of Beckley, VW; a brother-in-law Cloyd & Myrtle Huvler; three sisters-in-law Betty Huvler, Donna Lance, and Linda Dye; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Willis was loved by family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Willis was preceded in death by four brothers Glenn, Dallas, Allen, and Gerald Williams, and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
His family will receive friends 4-8 p.m. Monday, February 16, 2015 in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home, where a funeral service honoring his life will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday. Pastors Heidi Welch and Millissa Hartson will officiate with VFW #8054 and AMVETS Post #87 of Morrow County performing military honors at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Shauck Cemetery near Johnsville.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory to the Steam Corners United Methodist Church or Gideon’s International may be made at the funeral home.
