Henry Earl Williams

Portsmouth, RI - Henry Earl Williams, 97, of Portsmouth, RI, died Saturday, January 22, 2011 at Sakonnet Bay Manor, Tiverton, RI. Born in Newport, RI on December 4, 1913, he was the son of the late Seddie and Frances Tripp Williams. Mr. Williams was a U.S. Navy Veteran of WWII. A skilled woodworker, he worked many years for the late Aquidneck Island Home Builder Merril Holt. After retiring from the Department of Public Works at the Melville Fuel Depot in 1972, he drove a school bus for the Middletown Public School System, a job he truly loved. He was the oldest living Great Sachem of the Weeenat-Shassitt Tribe of Red Men of Newport, RI and later was made Past Great Sachem of the State of RI. In April of 2009, Mr. Williams was presented with The Boston Post Cane, which is a tradition that was started in 1909 by the Boston Post, for being the oldest living resident of Portsmouth, RI. He was also an avid bowler and a frequent traveler with his wife to visit friends and relatives. Henry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, whose greatest joy in life was spending time with his family. He believed in doing at least one good deed a day whether it was for a family member, friend or neighbor. He will be truly missed by all! He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marion Bence Williams of Portsmouth, RI, his children, Robert Williams and his wife Evelyn of Hendersonville, NC, and Cheryl Brawner and her husband Volney of Portsmouth, RI, his grandchildren, Todd Williams and his wife Amy, Troy Williams and his wife Cindy, Tricia McCabe and her husband Michael, all of Charlotte, NC, Kristen Hughes and her husband James of Tiverton, RI, and Craig Brawner and his wife Christina of Bristol, RI, and six great grandchildren Carson Williams, Kipton Williams, Harper Williams, Cole Hughes, Shaun Hughes and Lily Brawner. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2011, from 9:30- 11:00 am in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, with a service to follow at 11:00am. Burial will be private.In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations may be made in Mr. Williams name to your favorite charity.