Lt. Col. (Ret) William Farrow ("Billy") Williams

Lt. Col. (Ret) William “Billy” Farrow Williams
January 17, 1929 – May 3, 2019

Born at home on Tiny Oak Road on January 17, 1929 to Effron Avery Williams, Sr. and Lucy Lee Farrow Williams. Slipped the surly bonds of earth on May 3, 2019.

Billy graduated from Swan Quarter High School in 1947. Graduated from East Carolina Teachers College with a degree in Music Education and the Air Force ROTC program in 1953 and was commissioned second lieutenant.

He began his Air Force career as a radar officer but soon found his way to pilot training and on to helicopters. He served in various capacities as a helicopter pilot but most notably as a “Jolly Green” in the rescue and recovery service during the Vietnam War and up to his retirement in September 1973.

While station at Eglin Airforce Base he was selected as aircraft commander on the first trans pacific helicopter flight, flying the Sikorsky HH-53C from August 1st to August 24th, 1970.

Upon his retirement, Billy served the citizens of Hyde County as a County Commissioner, Chairman of the  Hyde County Board of Elections, Weigh Master for Farm Bureau Hog Market, President of Eastern Carolina Health System Agency, Chairman of Hyde County Rural Health, Contract Officer of the Hyde County Dike Project, and a member of the Hyde County Airport Board.

He married the former Ellen Louise Amidon on April 29, 1967 who survives. He is also survived by two sons, Charles Farrow Williams and wife, Paula of Pantego and Robert Duval Castle and wife, Jackie of Bath; four grandchildren, Sarah Elizabeth Castle, Ryan Michael Castle, Katherine RaeNeal Williams and Emma Lee Williams; three nephews, Gary Phillip Williams, Gregory Stephen Williams (Cheryl), and Mark Avery Williams (Karin) and twelve great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Effron Avery Williams, Jr., and one daughter, Susan Elizabeth Castle.

A graveside service with Military Honors will be held Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. in the family plot in Soule Cemetery. Jon Langley will officiate.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bryan Funeral Service Swan Quarter.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charities on one’s choice.

Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service, Swan Quarter.

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