William Farrow Williams, Lt. Colonel, USAF
January 17, 1929 – May 3, 2019

Lt. Col. (Ret) William “Billy” Farrow Williams
January 17, 1929 – May 3, 2019

Born at home on Tiny Oak Road on January 17, 1929 to Effron Avery Williams, Sr. and Lucy Lee Farrow Williams. Slipped the surly bonds of earth on May 3, 2019.

Billy graduated from Swan Quarter High School in 1947. Graduated from East Carolina Teachers College with a degree in Music Education and the Air Force ROTC program in 1953 and was commissioned second lieutenant.

He began his Air Force career as a radar officer but soon found his way to pilot training and on to helicopters. He served in various capacities as a helicopter pilot but most notably as a “Jolly Green” in the rescue and recovery service during the Vietnam War and up to his retirement in September 1973.

While station at Eglin Air Force Base he was selected as aircraft commander on the first trans pacific helicopter flight, flying the Sikorsky HH-53C from August 1st to August 24th, 1970.

Upon his retirement, Billy served the citizens of Hyde County as a County Commissioner, Chairman of the Hyde County Board of Elections, Weigh Master for Farm Bureau Hog Market, President of Eastern Carolina Health System Agency, Chairman of Hyde County Rural Health, Contract Officer of the Hyde County Dike Project, and a member of the Hyde County Airport Board.

He married the former Ellen Louise Amidon on April 29, 1967 who survives. He is also survived by two sons, Charles Farrow Williams and wife, Paula of Pantego and Robert Duval Castle and wife, Jackie of Bath; four grandchildren, Sarah Elizabeth Castle, Ryan Michael Castle, Katherine RaeNeal Williams and Emma Lee Williams; three nephews, Gary Phillip Williams, Gregory Stephen Williams (Cheryl), and Mark Avery Williams (Karin) and twelve great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Effron Avery Williams, Jr., and one daughter, Susan Elizabeth Castle.

A graveside service with Military Honors will be held Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. in the family plot in Soule Cemetery. Jon Langley will officiate.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bryan Funeral Service Swan Quarter.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charities on one’s choice.

Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service, Swan Quarter.

https://www.bryanfs.com/notices/LtColRetWilliam-Williams

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LB and Charmayne Johnson

A candle was lit in remembrance

Posted on May 9, 2019 8:32 AM     

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Denise Corbett

May God comfort you in your time of grief.

Posted on May 7, 2019 11:44 AM   

Donald Cahoon

To the family of  Billy,  I am so sorry to hear of  his passing.  What a great American Billy was.  A  truly wonderful person.  I remember growing up in Hyde County and being around Billy.  He was a true gentleman and  always had time to chat with me.  He will surely be missed  by those who had the pleasure of knowing him.  May he rest  in peace.

Posted on May 6, 2019 6:42 PM     

Sandra Tunnell

Love and prayers to the family – I am blessed to have known a true gentleman – you have served your family , your community and your country proudly. Prayers for peace and comfort

Posted on May 5, 2019 9:38 PM     

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Mildred Guthrie Bowman

So sorry for your loss, God bless you all.

Posted on May 5, 2019 8:43 PM     

Jennifer Winslow

You don’t get any better than Mr.Bill…..Such a special person to me…he will be so greatly missed ..keeping (my Brothers😉) all of you in my thoughts & prayers

Posted on May 5, 2019 4:51 PM     

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Donnie & Marva Theresa Blount

We are sorry to hear about the death of your father. You and your family have our deepest sympathy.

Posted on May 5, 2019 3:40 PM     

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Pamlico River Ferry Operation

A candle was lit in remembrance

Posted on May 5, 2019 3:09 PM     

Rob Castle

Uploaded a photo

Posted on May 5, 2019 10:25 AM   

Rob Castle

Uploaded two photos

Posted on May 5, 2019 10:17 AM   

Donna & Walter Credle

So very sorry to learn of Billy’s passing! He will be missed. Our condolences to all the family. Rest in peace!!

Posted on May 5, 2019 7:42 AM     

Lora Byrd

Such an Officer and a gentleman. Mr. Billy will be missed! Prays for Chuck, Rob, and their families.

Posted on May 5, 2019 7:14 AM     

Cindy Carawan

So many wonderful memories of Mr. Billy and elections. One of a kind. Must have been the sweetest person that ever walked this earth! He was so good (and patient) with me. Loved all the years of working with him. Prayers being sent up for his family.

Posted on May 4, 2019 11:15 PM   

Sue Rhe36m

Such a gentleman and scholar. For those of us who listened and learned from him, he will forever have a special place in our lives. Mr. Billy and his family surely have a place in my heart!

Posted on May 4, 2019 9:34 PM     

Joanne (Lockwood) Paper Murphy

Bill, you will surely be missed. I remember when you came into my cousin Ellen’s life and brought so much love and joy into her life. I’ll never forget the evening when You, Ellen, Me and a friend of yours went to the Officers Club and saw Fats Domino!!! We all enjoyed the show so much. My you rest in peace. My heart goes out to Ellen, Robbie & Chuck and all of your families. He was indeed a great man. God bless all of you through this most difficult time. Sending my Love to all of you,

Your Cousin, Joanne

Posted on May 4, 2019 9:18 PM     

Georgine Armstrong

Remembering a special man! Sending my sympathies to all his family and friends.

Posted on May 4, 2019 4:52 PM     

Kay Midgett Sheppard

Ellen, I was very shocked to learn of Billy’s passing this morning.  I’m glad I had the pleasure of meeting him on 2 occasions that I was visiting in Hyde. I will not be able to attend his funeral on the 8th but will be with you in spirit as you lay your beloved husband to rest.  My sympathies to the entire Williams family. Posted on May 6, 2019 10:02 AM