On July 15, 2017, devoted husband, father, spiritual leader Harry Marion Williams, Jr. of Chester, SC passed away peacefully. He was 99 years old.
Harry was born on June 21, 1918 in Chester County, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry M. Williams, Sr. of Chester, SC. He was educated in the Chester City Schools, graduated from The Citadel in 1939 and was an active member of The Citadel Alumni Association.
Called to duty in 1942, Harry served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army (32nd Division-126 Infantry Regiment) in the Pacific Theater of World War II. At one time, almost 85% of his unit were either killed or wounded, yet in over 3 1/2 years abroad he was never injured, earning him the name “Lucky Williams.” The incredible story of his company’s struggle is told in two books, The Ghost Mountain Boys and 32 Answered: A SC Veterans’ Story, which was dedicated to Harry. He was awarded the Bronze Star by the U.S. military for bravery. Following World War II, Harry remained in the Army reserve and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 27 years of service.
On December 22, 1945, he married the love of his life Mary Catherine Martin of Richburg, SC and started a family. He enjoyed a lifelong career at New York Life Insurance, obtained the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) certification in 1952 and stayed at the company for over 55 years. He was a lifetime member of the New York Life Insurance’s Million Dollar Roundtable.
Harry loved his work and his clients and for that reason, he never wanted to retire. He was the consummate gentleman, always full of goodwill and good humor. He was a lifelong member of Purity Presbyterian Church in Chester where he served as deacon, elder, Clerk of Session, Sunday School teacher, and Sunday School Superintendent. He also sang in the choir. He grew world-class roses in his garden that would often adorn the church sanctuary and be given to friends in need.
Harry was always active in the Chester community, serving on the Chester City Council, the Lions Club and was a Boy Scout Leader. He was an avid supporter of his alma mater, The Citadel.
After retirement in 1999, Harry and Mary Catherine moved to The Cypress community in Charlotte. After Mary Catherine passed in 2008, Harry moved to Anderson, SC, to be close to his daughter, Mrs. Cathy Beard.
Harry is survived by one sister, Francis McSween of Clinton, SC; his daughter, Cathy and her husband, Carl, of Anderson, SC; a son, Marty Williams and his wife, Anne, of Harrisburg, NC, and by 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at Purity Presbyterian Church on Wylie Street in Chester, SC with Rev. Jason W. Myers officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service prior to the interment.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.barronfuneralhome.com.
Posted in: Anderson Independent-Mail
Posted on: 2017-07-18
Link to original obituary: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/independentmail/obituary.aspx?n=harry-williams&pid=186114698&fhid=8926