Durwood Borden Williams

Durwood was preceded in death by his wife, Rita Dawson Williams, his parents, Garthae Borden Williams and Sudie Honeycutt Williams of Sampson County, NC, and his sister Jewel Williams Hawley of Dunn, NC.

Durwood is survived by his five children: Garthae Burrell Williams (Sheila) of Charlotte, NC; Larry Borden Williams of Denver, Colorado; Gail Williams Johnson (Barry) of Raleigh, NC; Roger Dawson Williams (Michelle) of Durham, NC; Jeffrey Durwood Williams (Kathy) of Wilmington, NC. He is also survived by his brother, Rodney Grey Williams of Raleigh, NC and sister-in-law Willie Dawson of Garner, NC.

Durwood had nine grandchildren: Amy Johnson Daley (Patrick); Nicholas Durwood Williams (Irina); Bradford Barry Johnson (Theresa); Mary Crystal Williams, Amber Dawn Williams, Zachary Andrew Durwood Williams (Stephanie), Madison Elizabeth Williams, Natalie Antoinette Adelle Williams, and John Dawson Williams. He also had eight great-grandchildren: James, Piper, Paige, Lucas, Poppy, Sophie, Sutton, Alex.

Durwood graduated from NCSU in 1948 as an Electrical Engineer. In 1963 he graduated from the University of Michigan with degrees in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering, and a Master’s in Electrical Engineering. In 1969 he graduated from The National War College.

Durwood served 33 years in the Army Air Corps and US Air Force, retiring at the rank of Colonel. During WWII he flew the P-47 as a fighter pilot in the Pacific Theater. He was most proud of his involvement in the development of the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System (BMEWS) as the lead engineer.

He was a member of Hayes Barton Baptist Church since retiring and relocating to Raleigh in 1974. During his retirement he enjoyed reading, writing, poetry, racquetball and flying his airplane up to the age of 80. He was also a lifelong NC State Wolfpack fan and loved wearing his red blazer. Durwood was proud to be an American and believed in Faith, Family and Friends.

The funeral service was held at Hayes Barton Baptist Church on September 23, 2023. Durwood was interred with full military honors, next to his wife, in Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the Missions Program at Hayes Barton Baptist Church.

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