Willis Williams

Born July 27, 1934 in Corning, New York
Passed away August 14, 2026 in Melbourne, Florida

Willis Williams passed away after a brief illness on August 14, 2026, in Melbourne, Florida. Willis, who went by the name Bill, was born Willis Hunt Williams on July 27, 1934, in Corning, New York, the first of two children born to Ward and Florence Williams.
Bill grew up in Corning. He was an excellent student and enjoyed numerous sports, including New York state championships in baseball and badminton. He attended the University of Cincinnati (UC), graduating with a BS in Industrial Engineering. It was at UC where he met his future wife, Janet (Jan) Williams, on a blind date. They were married in Cincinnati, Ohio and went on to live in Clarksburg, West Virginia in 1960, where they had 3 children. Bill began his professional career in Clarksburg, working for Hope Gas. Bill and Jan moved to Corning, NY in 1966, where he worked for Corning Glass. They returned to West Virginia in 1972, residing in Salem, WV. Bill resumed his career at Hope Gas, serving in several management roles until his retirement in 1996.
Bill was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church, Clarksburg for over 50 years. He served several terms on Session and sang in the choir. He was devoted to his children, attending many of their school academic and sporting events, as well as coaching them in Little League Baseball. He continued his love for sports throughout his life. He was an avid fan of Salem College basketball and St. Louis Cardinals baseball. He was very civically active as well. He served on several municipal boards, always willing to serve for a good cause. He was instrumental in helping to lead the annual Spring in Bloom Dance, which helped fund several city activities in Salem, WV, where they lived for 43 years.
Bill enjoyed travelling with his wife, Jan, during retirement. Their travels took them to the northeast and western parts of the United States, Canada, and much of Europe. They particularly enjoyed spending nearly two months every year in September and October in their beloved Canaan Valley, WV, watching the leaves change for Fall.
Bill and Jan moved to Indian Harbour Beach, Florida in 2015, to be near one of their sons. They became members of Eastminster Presbyterian Church. They enjoyed attending local municipal plays and concerts as well as dining out. They most recently moved into Zon Beachside Assisted Living in 2026. Bill provided a consistent beacon of leadership that not only encompassed his family life, but was also present at work, at church and with everything he did.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and son Stephen Williams. He is survived by his wife Janet A. Williams of Indian Harbour Beach, Fl; his sister Mary Wenck of Corning, NY; his children Brad (Alice) Williams of Indialantic, Fl; son Barry (Sharon) Williams of Mooresville, NC; grandchildren Adam Williams, Lauren (Donnie) Merren, and Jared Williams; and great grandchildren Carter Merren and Avery Merren.
A memorial service is planned for family at a later date.