Thomas (Ted) Williams, Sr.

Thomas Theodore (Ted) Williams, Sr., of Abbs Valley departed this life April 16, 2009. He was born September 13, 1918, in Dante, Virginia, and was the son of John and Carrie Williams. He was preceded in death by both parents and brothers Clarence, James, Clifford, Floyd, Willard, and Estes: sisters Edna Rutherford and Estelle Hicks. and infant daughter Elizabeth Carol. He is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Martha Johnson Williams, son Thomas T. (Sonny) Williams, Jr. and wife Patricia of Richmond, VA. daughter Anna Frances Hasty of Bluefield, Va., son Stephen T. Williams, and wife Diane, of North Tazewell, VA. Grandchildren Tracy Hasty of, Gaston, SC, Bryan Hasty and wife Zoe with the US Air Force, Donna Gattuso of Leesburg, VA, Paula Williams of Richmond, VA. Travis and Jason Williams of Bluefield, VA., great grand children Matthew and Jessica Hasty of Bloomington, Indiana, brothers Leslie and wife Gladys of Abbs Valley, Lloyd and wife Ruby of Abbs Valley, and Ray and wife Maxie of Penn., plus sisters in law Stella Williams of Abbs Valley, and Launa Williams of Mud Fork. Also, several nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved. He was a member of the Christ First United Methodist Church, Boisevain, VA. He was, for over 50 years, a member, and Past Master, of Pocahontas Masonic Lodge Number 240, and dual member of Bluefield Masonic Lodge Number 222. He was also a member, and Past Patron, of Princess Pocahontas Order of the Eastern Star, (now affiliated with Bluefield Chapter 102 Order of the Eastern Star). He was a veteran member of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in Virginia W.G. Bottimore Chapter Number 28, and a Master of the Royal Secret of the 32 Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Bluefield, Virginia. He was employed by Pocahontas Fuel Company and U.S. Steel for 42 plus years. Friends and family may call at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell, West Virginia on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. with an Eastern Star service at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell, West Virginia with the Rev. Gus Anderson officiating and Rev. Carlos Hess assisting. Masonic graveside services will follow at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Bluefield, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to either: the Christ First United Methodist Church, (Box 159, Boisevain, VA), the Pocahontas Masonic Lodge 240, (Pocahontas, Virginia), or a charity of your choice.