Forrest Williams, Jr.

Forrest "Dale" Williams, Jr., age 70, of Leland, NC, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday December 27th 2012, at his residence. He was born May 1, 1942 in Wilmington, NC, the son of the late Forrest Dale Williams, Sr. and Mable Medlin Williams. He was also preceded in death by his loving and dear stepfather "Papa Tom" Williams, two brother-in-laws, and one son-in-law. Surviving is his wife, the love of his life for 47 years, Rachel Ann Williams. He has three children; Kimberly Williams Corbett of Leland; Wendy Williams Jones and husband Jeremy of Southport, Forrest Brent Williams and Stephanie Wallis of Leland. He has 5 grandchildren; Rachel McConnell and husband Josh, Holly "Boo" Stowell, Jerelyn Jones, Bethany Jones (his doodle bug), and Lyda "Bean" Williams. He has two great grandchildren, Isaac Stowell, and Aaron McConnell. He is survived by three sisters and one brother-in-law: Bobbie Garst, Nancy & Horace Reaves, and Rosemary Jordan. There are also many special loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful friends. Dale was a member of the Bridge of Life Community Church and was retired from Occidental Chemical. He was an avid sportsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, watching NASCAR, waterskiing, and playing golf. He also served as a Coast Guard Reservist on the Cutter Mendota. He was the most kind and loving husband, father, and Papa, never passing up a chance to make you laugh with his sense of humor. He was a very loyal friend and always willing to give Godly wisdom, support and advice. He touched many hearts throughout his illness including family, friends and the special nurses and medical staff at Duke Hospital. A special "thank you" to our family PA's Chase and Ashley Michaels for their wonderful Godly medical advice and to all of our loving family and friends for their prayers, support and encouragement during this past year. Dale grew up playing basketball and baseball and his love for sports continued throughout his life as he attended high school and college sporting events. Dale was also an inaugural board member of the Hot Stove League of Leland. He loved to travel and was always on the go never sitting still for long. He deeply believed in the importance of family relationships as a devoted daddy and Papa. He always made his daily phone calls to tell his children and grandchildren how much he loved them and to plan family get togethers, eating out, or going for rides to sight see. He dearly loved his grandchildren as they referred to him as their "Papa" and "Peanut Man." He was faithful in attending all of their dance recitals, sporting events, school functions, and awards ceremonies. He loved to take his grandchildren for truck rides and make them laugh by jumping and clicking his heels twice and sliding across the floor in his socks. God was truly Glorified in Dale's life as a faithful Christian man. The family gives Jesus Praise and Honor for his celebration in Heaven, the promises that were experienced, and the miracles that are to come. Funeral Services will be held 2 pm Sunday, December 30, 2012 at Bridge of Life Community Church with Pastor Jerome Bullard officiating and Pastor Tony Richburg. Interment will follow at the Medlin Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 Saturday, December 29th, 2012 at Andrews Mortuary on Market Street. Pallbearers will be: Luke Bradshaw, Bobby Elmore, Dale Hufham, Duck Cook, Ronnie Medlin, Jimmy Medlin, Freddy Greiner, Victor Larkins, CL Smith, Tom Hilburn, Gurney Long, Conrad Stowell, Jeff Milligan, Scotty Milligan, Horace Reaves, Russell Brown and Mike Thomas. Memorials may be made to Bridge of Life Community Church, PO Box 270, Delco, NC 28436 or Power Walking Ministries, PO Box 10418, Southport, NC 28461.