Armon "A.W. or Punkin" Wilton Williams Jr.

A.W. was born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, where he grew up in Ocean View with countless stories to tell. From his days with the Barefoot Boys to playing football for Granby High School and traveling to the Orange Bowl, he was a natural storyteller who loved sharing tales of family and his younger years with anyone who would listen. He would sometimes sing little songs to punctuate his stories and bring smiles to those around him.

He met the love of his life, Ann Lippincott Williams, while working for Nabisco—he was in the warehouse and she was in the office. They married soon after he was drafted into the Marines, starting their family while living in trailers and small homes during his military service. He loved taking his kids camping in those early years, creating memories that would last a lifetime. After completing his service, they moved to Fayetteville, NC, where he returned to Nabisco and worked for over 40 years before retiring. They then relocated to Sea Gate, NC, to enjoy their retirement years.

Throughout their lives together, A.W. and Ann opened their hearts and home to many children who needed guidance and love, including special nieces, nephews, and family friends. In retirement, they devoted themselves to Habitat for Humanity, volunteering at the resale store in Morehead City for over 30 years. Ann was a "Habitat Honey" and A.W. was a "Honey Bun," part of a dedicated group of couples who reorganized Habitat of MHC and worked together to support the cause. Even after Ann passed, A.W. continued his volunteer work right up until Covid shut the world down.

A.W. was 95 (almost 96) years old and, as he might have said, was preceded in death by just about everybody: his wife Ann Lippincott Williams, his brothers Bob and Jack "Bingo" Williams, and his sister Jeanne Lockwood. He is survived by his brother Floyd Allen "Pud" Williams; his children Barbara Shockey (Mike), Richard Williams (Judy), Jim Williams, Michael Williams (Theresa), Patrick Williams (Scott), Mary Ellen Brooker (Kevin), and Gerri Williams; as well as 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, including a brand new great-grandbaby named for him just last month.

A celebration of A.W.'s life will be held Saturday, October 4, at 2:00 pm at Cotten Funeral Home in New Bern, NC with the family receiving friends from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. A reception will follow the service at 1514 Kimberly Road, in New Bern. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be directed to Habitat for Humanity, either in Morehead City, or a local chapter.

Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family and friends of A. W. Williams, Jr.