Merle Margaret Williams

July 13, 1956 – July 24, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Master Sergeant (MSG) Merle Margaret Williams (Retired), who passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026.

Born on July 13, 1956, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, Merle was the beloved daughter of Hobart and Doris Williams.

After graduating from high school, Merle proudly answered the call to serve her country. She honorably served in both the United States Army and the Florida Army National Guard, dedicating more than two decades of her life to military service.

Merle served on Active Duty in the United States Army from 1976 to 1984 before returning home to Florida. In 1988, she enlisted in the Florida Army National Guard, where she faithfully served in a multitude of logistics positions during her 13 years of service. Throughout her military career, she served as a Subsistence Supply Specialist (76X), Supply Specialist (76Y), Materiel Control and Accounting Specialist (76P), TAMMS Clerk while assigned as an Automated Logistical Specialist (92A), Senior Supply NCO (92Y), and ultimately as the Supply and Services Operations NCO (92Z) for the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 927th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion.

Merle was frequently called upon by Property Book Officers throughout Florida for her exceptional expertise in STAMIS systems and her extensive knowledge of the interface between maintenance systems and property book accountability. She distinguished herself through exceptionally meritorious service, unwavering professionalism, and steadfast devotion to duty throughout her military career in the Quartermaster Corps. Her dedication earned the respect and admiration of countless Soldiers and leaders across the Florida Army National Guard.

Following her retirement from the Florida Army National Guard in 2001, Merle continued serving the State of Florida by working at the Public Works Warehouse at Camp Blanding from September 2004 until her second retirement in December 2024.

While Merle's professional accomplishments were extraordinary, those who knew her best will remember the incredible woman behind the uniform. She always seemed to have a strong exterior, but beneath it was a heart filled with kindness, generosity, selflessness, and unwavering loyalty. Her warm sense of humor had a remarkable ability to put others at ease, and her compassion never wavered for those she cared about.

Perhaps Merle's greatest defining characteristic was her profound sense of duty. Whether serving her country, supporting her coworkers, helping a friend, or caring for those she loved, she approached every responsibility with integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment. It was a principle that guided her throughout every chapter of her life.

Merle also had a passion for traveling and exploring the world. She especially cherished her solo trip to Ireland, a journey that remained one of her favorite adventures. Although she treasured traveling with close friends and family, her favorite place to be was at home with her beloved dogs—Buddy, Baby Girl, Brownie, Precious, and Zena—whose unconditional love brought her endless comfort and joy.

Merle was preceded in death by her parents, Hobart and Doris Williams, and her sister, Connie Letchworth.

She will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her niece, Mya Roman; her nephew, Bryce Letchworth; her brother, Wesley Williams, and sister-in-law, Jane Williams; her dear friend, Olivia Hilliard, whom Merle often said was "the daughter I never had"; along with many lifelong friends, fellow Soldiers, coworkers, and extended family whose lives she touched. Her kindness, wisdom, humor, and unwavering friendship will forever remain in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hardage-Giddens Holly Hill Funeral Home, located at 3601 Old Jennings Road, Middleburg, Florida 32068.

Services will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026. Family and friends are invited to attend visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with the funeral service immediately following at 11:00 a.m.

A committal service with military honors will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Jacksonville National Cemetery, located at 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32218.

In lieu of flowers donations to be made to the Humane Society.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23