Eric James Williams

Eric James Williams, 52, died peacefully in his sleep early Monday, February 20, 2012. Eric was the eldest son of Robert Earl Williams and Annette Cecilia Williams. He was born in Milwaukee, WI on August 16, 1959. He spent most of his childhood growing up on Waikiki Beach, HI. While in HI, Eric attended Punahou High School.

After Eric’s family returned to PA, he graduated from high school. Eric joined the Navy and proudly served his country until he retired in 1998. After Naval retirement, Eric was hired to work at MCI in Cary, NC as a Network Engineer. He remained with the company, now Verizon Business, as Lead Engineer until his passing.

Eric is survived by his wife of 19 years, Paula Gunn Williams; 18 year old son, Sean Robert Williams; father, Robert Earl Williams; brother, Dean Robert Williams and wife, Mary; father-in-law, Ray Gunn and wife, Pat; brother-in-law, John Gunn and wife, Valorie, and their 3 children; sister-in-law, Rebecca Gunn Trantham and husband, Victor Richard Trantham III, and their 2 children; 2 aunts and their spouses; 1 uncle; and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother and youngest brother, Philip Earl Williams.

Eric was a devoted husband, father and son. He will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him.

The family will receive friends Thursday, February 23, 2012 from 7-9p.m. at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 S.E. Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511.

A funeral service will be held 11a.m. Friday, February 24, 2012 at the funeral home. Eric will be buried at sea.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sean’s college fund, "Sean's Academia", in care of Wells Fargo Bank.