Ray Williams

Ray Williams, 91, of Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at Carolina East Medical Center.

Born on December 3, 1932, in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, Ray was the son of the late William and Ethel Williams. Growing up on the Jersey Shore, Ray was a beloved and well-known member of the Lavallette community. In his early years, Ray was a prominent figure and proud original proprietor of the Surf Side Motel and the founder of Williams Trucking. For several summers he served as a lifeguard in Lavallette. Ray also generously shared his time and expertise as a member of the Lavallette Fire Department and as a councilman in the early 1960s. He was a Charter Member of Faith Lutheran Church, having served in many capacities including loading up all of the town’s children in the back of his dump truck each Christmas to go about the town Christmas caroling. Ray was also a member of the Lavallette Rod and Gun Club where he enjoyed many hunting trips to Maine.

Ray and his beloved wife Barbara moved South, settling in Pine Knoll Shores, NC, where they have lived for the past 30 years. His warm and caring demeanor left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his loving wife of nearly 70 years, Barbara Williams; daughters, Dana Edine of Pine Knoll Shores, NC and Cindy Natale (Gerard) of Ephrata, PA; son, Mitchell Williams (Cheryl) of Baxter, TN.

Ray was a beloved “Poppy” who always had a story or magic trick for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His pride and joy were his grandchildren, Allison Shepherd (Joseph) of Anchorage, AK, Matthew Williams of Baxter, TN, Jillian Edine of Wendell, NC, and Joseph Williams (Stephanie) of Charleston, SC; and great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Cora Shepherd of Anchorage, AK.

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his sisters, Lorraine Storck and Madeline Stogdill.

You led an awesome life Ray and we are blessed to have been able to call you our husband, Dad, and Poppy. You will be truly missed. Happy Hunting!

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.