Manakin Sabot, VA-Emerson Lee “Willie” Williams, 76, devoted husband, father and grandfather passed away on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at his home in Manakin Sabot, VA
Born in Trout, WV, on May 29, 1947, Emerson lived his entire childhood in Trout and regularly attended Trout Baptist Church. He graduated from Frankford High School in 1965, and soon after married his beloved wife Ann and relocated to the Richmond, Virginia area.
He loved life and lived it to the fullest with his family and friends. He enjoyed traveling, singing karaoke, playing pickle ball and spending time at “the farm.” Emerson was also a passionate historian who was dedicated to learning and sharing information about his WV heritage. A resident of the Richmond area for the past 55 years, he maintained close ties to WV, owning a farmhouse in Alderson for over 35 years, participating in the local historical society events and writing five novels based on true events in Greenbrier County.
In Richmond, Willie had many friends from the automotive business in which he worked for 40 years, many as a finance manager. He also found great joy being a part of the Goochland pickleball family, his favorite pastime.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna and Simon Lewis and Luva Faulkner (Junior); sister, Dorothy Barker; brothers, Cecil, Hayward, Frank and Darrel Lewis.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Ann; his beloved daughters, Angela Williams of Midlothian, VA and Amy Couillard (Tony) of Glen Allen, VA; cherished grandchildren, Elizabeth and Olivia Gronlund, Thalle and Vivian Couillard; sisters, Brenda Norris (Ronnie) of Quinton, VA, Gloria McGuire, Richmond, KY, Anna Mae Tate, Memphis, TN, Beckie Reeves (Preston) Clarksville, TN; and brother Tommy Faulkner (Gail) Clarksville, TN; treasured friend and brother-in-law, Tom Bobbitt; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, at Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church in Williamsburg, WV. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service. In honor of Emerson, contributions can be sent to Goochland Co. Vol Fire & Rescue (GVFRA-Centerville Co. #3), 52 Broad Street Rd., Manakin Sabot, VA 23103 and Williamsburg District Historical Foundation, P.O. Box 36, Williamsburg, WV 24991.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge of arrangements. Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.