Daniel "Rex" R. Williams Sr.

After graduating from New Bern High School in 1950 he served four years in the US Air Force during the Korean War. After returning home he was associated with his father in the Oil Business, Texaco 00 Distributor for a brief time. Afterward going into the grocery business for the next 20 years, ultimately owning and operating four Red & White Supermarkets and two convenient stores in New Bern, Jacksonville, Bethel and Roanoke Rapids. In 1976 he sold the supermarkets and opened a garden center which eventually grew into a wholesale, retail nursery and greenhouse operations, as well as, a landscaping and maintenance business. He later bought a farm and garden center and True Value Hardware business from his brother, Graham, which he operated along with his son, Warren Williams. Their business also consisted of Williams Sod Farms which Warren continued to operate after Rex's retirement in 2003.

Rex was a lifelong member of Riverdale United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Grantham Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, and Sudan Temple receiving a 50 year award in 2015. He also served 3 years on the Swiss bear board for downtown development and revitalization of Downtown New Bern.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia L. Williams of the home, two sons; Daniel R. Williams Jr. and wife, Tina of Boyd, Wisconsin and Warren F. Williams an wife, Linda of New Bern, one daughter, Patricia Fisher and husband, Dr. Michael Fisher of New Bern, two stepsons; Michael L. Lupton of New Bern and Linnie Daniels of Greenville, stepdaughter, Lori Lupton and husband, Todd of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren.

Rex was preceded in death by his parents, Leon F. and Sadie Williams, his oldest son, Julian A. Williams of New Bern, siblings; brother, Leon F. Williams Jr. and wife, Helen, brother, Graham Williams, and sister, Mary Grace Campbell and husband, Bob.

Funeral Services will be held at Riverdale United Methodist Church on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at 3:00 PM. The family will receive friends one hour prior in the fellowship hall at the church and at other times at the home. Interment will be 2:00 PM, Monday, November 29, 2021 at Greenleaf Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Riverdale United Methodist Church. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cottenfuneralhome.com for the Williams family. Arrangements entrusted to Cotten Funeral Home.