Vonceal Williams, born 1928 in Old Sage West Virginia. A small coal mining town on the West Virginia and the Pennsylvania border. The area is known as Scotts Run. Born to a teenage mother, Von was raised by an Aunt, mother Marie’s older sister. At age 15, he joined the army and fought in World War II in Czechoslovakia. Today there is a memorial wall in Scotts Run that honors Mr. Williams and other military veterans.
In the early 1950’s Von moved to Cleveland, Ohio. He worked various jobs including the United States Post Office, driving a taxi, and driving a bus in the public transportation system. While driving the bus, a young lady, Lois Lane caught Mr. Williams attention. He would date, and later marry Lois. Marrying Lois Lane obviously made Von……Superman.
Von and Lois raised eight children: Ron, Walter (Bruce), Vicki, Vonceal Junior (Junebug), Nora, Jane, Sandra and Dennis. In 1958, Mr. Williams joined the Army a second time. This time for a career. The family moved multiple times. They were stationed in Germany, Fort Knox Kentucky, Fort Mead Maryland, Alamogordo NM (twice) and Fort Ord California (twice). During his career he was a drill Sergeant. In addition to his World War II deployment, Von did two tours in Vietnam. The second, to prevent Vonceal Junior, who was in the Air Force, from being deployed to Vietnam. He attained the level of Master Sergeant and remained in the reserves, for a total military career of 28 years. Many of the children’s friends in Alamogordo remembered Sergeant Williams as a real-life GI Joe. They said his broad shoulders and narrow waist, his perfectly pressed uniform (thanks to Vicki), his walk, and……his look was all military. They also said everyone was afraid to date any of his daughters. The children said that when Drill Sergeant Williams had a new set of recruits, he would come home hoarse and could not turn off the drills, the kids being directed as soldiers.
Von later moved to Huntsville, Alabama. There he met Jimmy and Michelle and worked for them in the car business. In many ways, Jimmy and Michelle were more family than employers. Just over three years ago, Mr. Williams moved to Fort Worth, Texas and lived with Von Junior and Sandra. This was a special time for Mr. Williams, Junior and Sandra.
Von loved his family. He was very proud of all his children. The grandchildren, the great-grandchildren, and the great-great-grandchildren brought him tremendous joy and pride. He would look forward to and enjoy the family celebrations and holiday gathering.
Through Bruce, there are 3 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Through Vicki, there are 4 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-child. Through Vonceal there are 5 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. Through Nora, there are 2 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. Through Jane there are 3 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Through Sandra there are 3 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Through Dennis there is 1 grandchild.
In Psalms 127 it says: Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.
Vonceal Williams, a true warrior (a real-life GI Joe) was rewarded from the Lord with many offspring. He felt his family was a true blessing to him. Von leaves quite a heritage, eight children, 21 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren. A quiver full of arrows. An amazing legacy.
We believe after passing from this earth, there is a home in heaven. We believe we will be able to join Mr. Williams again. So, Mr. Williams…….. the Lord willing and the creek don’t rise, we will see you again.
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