Russell D. Williams, 89, of Bellefontaine and formerly of Huntsville, passed away Sunday, April 26, 2020, at the Campbell Place in Bellefontaine.
He was born in Youngstown, on June 6, 1930, the son of the late Russell Davis and Helen (Rogers) Williams.
On June 12, 1954, he married Lois (Tenney) Williams in Steubenville, and she survives in Bellefontaine along with their children; Thomas (Nancy) Williams of Clintonville, David (Lynne) Williams of Murphy, N.C., and Mary Jo (Martin) Cherup of Delaware, Ohio, eight grandchildren, and six nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his twin brother, Robert Roger Williams and his younger brother, Donald James Williams.
Russell graduated from South High School in Youngstown before going on to Mt. Union College where he obtained his bachelor’s degree. He furthered his studies at the Pittsburgh-Xenia Theological Seminary, graduating with his master’s degree. He pastored churches in Wickliffe and North Benton, before re-enlisting in the United States Air Force, where he served his country as a chaplain. He served 20 years, serving in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars before his honorable retirement in 1981. It was at that time; he moved to Huntsville and became pastor of the Huntsville Presbyterian Church for the next 19 years until he retired from there in 2000.
The family will have a private graveside service in Harrod Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Campbell Place, 356 Kent Drive, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311.
Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the Williams family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com