JAMES R. 'BUD' WILLIAMS, 99

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

James R. "Bud" Williams, 99, of New Bethlehem, died Tuesday morning, January 17, 2012, in Clarion Hospital following a brief illness.
Born January 9, 1913, in New Bethlehem, he was the son of Robert and Nellie Davidson Williams.
He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Army, attaining the rank of sergeant. He was a member of Battery C, 357th AAA, 101st Airborne. He was an Army Sharp Shooter with the M1 rifle and served in Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Bronze Stars and the World War II Victory Medal.
After his discharge from the Army, Mr. Williams returned home to New Bethlehem and worked as a foreman for the Andrew's Paint Shop and Crawford Furniture. In his spare time, he did painting and wallpapering in numerous homes in the New Bethlehem area.
In 1945, he married Rosamond Moore. She preceded him in death in 1990.
Mr. Williams was the oldest living member of the First United Methodist Church of New Bethlehem and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Loyal Order of Moose and VFW Post 415, all of New Bethlehem. He was a life member of the Elks Club of Kittanning.
He was known by many as "Shooter," a nickname he acquired for his hunting and billiards skills.
Survivors include his longtime companion, Jean Evans, and his niece, Barb Lovell, both of New Bethlehem. He is also survived by numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sister and her husband, Naomi and Ken Willison, and a nephew, William Willison.
At Mr. William's request, there will be no public visitation.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church in New Bethlehem, with the Revs. Joe Short and Jodie Smith, pastors of the Redbank Valley Methodist Ministry, officiating.
Interment will take place in the New Bethlehem Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given in Mr. Williams' name to the First United Methodist Church, 234 Penn Street, New Bethlehem, PA 16242 or the New Bethlehem Area Free Public Library at 720 Broad Street, New Bethlehem, PA 16242.
Online condolences may be sent to Mr. Williams' family at www.rupertfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are at the direction of the Rupert Funeral Home of New Bethlehem.