Jay Frank Williams

The world lost a true gentleman with the death of Jay Frank Williams. Jay passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, May 21, 2016. He was born September 1, 1926 in Mansfield to Walter J. and Julia A. (Keller) Williams.

He graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1944 and then worked for Tracy and Avery before finishing his career as an engineer working for the Mansfield Telephone Company, later Sprint, in the rates and revenues department.

Jay served in the Army Air Force during the occupation of Italy and was honorably discharged in 1950. Jay married the love of his life, Norma Ryder in 1946 and they were married for 59 years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church on the square where he was active in candy making, ushering and keeping order in the balcony with his wife. He was also a Tour Director for TYTQ, Too Young To Quit ~ a bus travel group where he was responsible for planning and organizing the trips.

He was a 62 year member of Mansfield Lodge #35 F & AM, a Past Master of Mansfield Lodge #35 serving in 1964, Past Secretary of Mansfield Lodge #35 serving 11 years from 1969-1980. He was a member of Mansfield Chapter #28 R.A.M., Mansfield Council #94 R.S.M., Mansfield Commandry #21 K.T., 32nd Degree Mason Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Columbus, Al Koran Shrine Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., Past President of Mansfield Temple Board Company and Past President of the Mystic Club. Jay was also a member of the American Legion Post #16 and Baku Grotto M.O.V.P.E.R.

As a Shriner, Jay shuttled needy children to the Shriners Hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania. He could also be seen at local parades driving those little yellow Shriner cars. Jay truly epitomized the meaning of friendship and the value of hard work and through living his life he passed those traits on to his true love, his family. When not serving the community, Jay could usually be found watching and cheering his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren at basketball games, musical events, tennis matches, soccer games or swim meets. His family was the love of his life.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Gary Hundertpfund of Lexington; his son and son-in-law, Jeff Williams and Colin Hoffmaster of Orange County, California; his daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Rob Meisse of Mansfield; grandchildren, Holly and Tim Belby of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Brett and Chelsey Hundertpfund of Columbus, Ohio, Brigitte, Bria, Brynn and Miles Meisse of Mansfield, Ohio; and great grandchildren, Owen and Julia Belby of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Norma in 2006 and a brother, Gene Williams.

A special thank you to all the compassionate and caring staff, nurses and personal care assistants at Elmcroft of Ontario and Hospice of North Central Ohio during Jay's stay.

Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 27, 2016 at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond Street, Mansfield where Masonic services will be held at 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 28, 2016 at the funeral home conducted by Rev. Kent W. Joy. Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery where full military honors will be conducted by the United States Army and the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio or the Shriners Hospital for Children.