Ralph Edward Williams Jr.

Ralph Edward Williams Jr., 76, of New Bern, passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. Ralph was born in Erie, PA on May 8, 1947, to the late Ralph Edward Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Williams. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Anne and brother David.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Carol (Ahles) Williams; son, Ralph Edward Williams III; grandchild, Keegan Williams. Brothers: Richard (Elizabeth); Paul; Daniel (Patti), all of Erie, PA and James of Talmadge, OH. Sisters, Virginia Rauleau and Sara Markle of Erie, PA; Mary Beth Bauer (Larry) of Steubenville, OH; Jeanette Kilner of Frankford, DE; Jeanne Williams-Amsden (Bob) of Ripon, WI and Kathryn (Don) Bernardo of Chagrin Falls, OH.

After several transfers around the country and overseas tours, Ralph retired in 1985 after serving 20 years in the United States Marine Corps. He worked at several jobs which led him to taking the North Carolina Electrical Examination and becoming a licensed electrician. His final employment was with the Plant Engineering Branch at Fleet Readiness Center at MCAS Cherry Point retiring in 2010.

In his spare time, Ralph enjoyed woodworking as is evidenced by the interior of Annunciation Church and various woodworked items offered for fundraising events and gifts. A parishioner since 1978, Ralph contributed his time, talent and skills to the parish school and church. He was a Reader and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. He served several years on the Building and Maintenance Committee of Annunciation Parish.

He was a volunteer firefighter and certified EMT with Township Six Fire Department, as well as a General Instructor certified by the NC State Fire and Rescue Commission. Other memberships included the NRA, the Marine Corps Association and The Retired Enlisted Association.

Visitation will be from 7:00-9:00 pm on Friday, October 27, 2023, at Annunciation Catholic Church in Havelock, NC. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 28, 2023, followed by military honors at Annunciation Catholic Church. Interment with a graveside service will be on Wednesday, November 1st at 11:00 am St. Joseph Cemetery, 3005 Country Club Road, New Bern, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Annunciation Catholic School Scholarship, 246 East Main Street, Havelock, NC.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Ralph Edward Williams Jr.