Austin Thomas Williams

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Navy Enginemen Second Class (EN2) Austin Thomas Williams. Austin died abruptly in a tragic accident Thursday, April 5, 2018 while serving the United States Navy, in Manama, Bahrain. Austin’s life was taken much too soon when he was struck by a vehicle while crossing a road with friends.

Austin graduated Freeport High School in 2014 where he was active and made a lasting impact in cross country, track, chorus, theater, and young life. Austin’s zest for life and infectious kindness impacted everyone he knew. A sweet and shining soul, he was positive and full of life. And, in typical Austin fashion, he was always himself. An avid runner, he could be easily identified wearing excessively vibrant colors whether running on his own or as a part of a team. An inclusive soul, he reveled in his diverse group of friends and was always on the search for the next big adventure. Austin held close to his deep faith. It was immensely important that he find the right place and the right people for worship. He gave all to his family and friends, caring more for others than he did himself.

In his junior year of high school, Austin committed to serve his country as an active duty member of the United States Navy – a commitment he did not take lightly. Upon graduation he attended boot camp and Enginemen A-School in Great Lakes, Illinois; transferring for C-School in Coronado, California. Austin then reported to Joint Base Pearl Harbor, Hawaii where he completed his first tour of duty, advanced to Enginemen Second Class (EN2), and earned his warfare qualification. Austin recently reenlisted for 6-years and in March 2018 transferred to the USS SENTRY (MCM 3), homeported in Manama, Bahrain. His impact was immediate and his sense of duty and pride immense! Austin absolutely loved being a Sailor and a part of the United States Navy team.

Austin was born 12 December, 1995 in Portland, Maine to Andrew and Meredith (Bichrest) Williams. He is survived by his parents; one brother, Sawyer Williams, of Freeport; his grandmother, Edith Oliver of Cundys Harbor, Maine; his grandfather, David (June) Bichrest of Lumberton, Texas, and five loving and heartbroken aunts: Cindy Moody, of Cundys Harbor, Maine; Terri (Pat) Mann, of Brunswick, Maine; Vida (Jerry) Leeman, of Cundys Harbor, Maine; Michelle (Aaron) Shipley, of Lewis Center, Ohio, and Edith (Matt) Cram, of Bath, Maine. Additionally, numerous cousins and extended family too vast to list and so very important to Austin. He was preceded in death by his grandfather and grandmother Elmer “Sonny” and Pauline (Coffin) Williams and an Uncle, Stephen Williams.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Harraseeket Inn, 162 Main St, Freeport on Saturday April 21 at 11:00am followed by a Celebration Gathering in the Ballroom at the Harraseeket Inn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the J. Arthur Stowell American Legion Post 83, P.O. Box 60, Freeport., Maine 04032.

The family wishes to thank the United States Navy, family, friends, community, and Freeport High School Class of 2014 for the outpouring of support for Austin.

You may offer your condolences at www.lindquistfuneralhome.com