Albert Bryan Williams

Albert "Bryan" Williams, 86, of Newton Grove, passed away on Friday, October 20, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Bryan is preceded in death by his wife, whom he adored, Margaret Rochelle "Susie" Jernigan Williams; his father, James Perdie Williams; his mother, Gladys Bryan Williams; a daughter, Tammy Williams Westbrook; a son, Danny Glenn Williams; and a daughter-in-law, Renee Lee Williams.

He is survived by a daughter, Terrie (Gary) Westbrook of Newton Grove; a son, Jeffrey Williams of Newton Grove; a son-in-law, John Westbrook of Newton Grove; seven grandchildren, Bridget (Bobby) Rackley of Newton Grove, Johnathan (Karmen) Williams of Newton Grove, Alex Cooksey of Marquette, Michigan, Garrett Williams and friend, Jennifer Jackson of Newton Grove, Brad (Val) Cooksey of Charleston, SC, Gage Williams of Wilmington, NC, and Brendan Williams of Wilmington, NC; four great-grandchildren, Ely Grace Williams, Forest Cooksey, Sophia Williams and Lyle Cooksey; sisters Ann Herring, Kay (Stewart) Raynor, and Joy Reeves; sister-in-law, Alice "Teenie" Berigtold; brother-in-law, Jerry Jernigan; and family friend, Mike (Ashley) Tart; and many special nieces and nephews, cousins, and the best neighbors we could ever ask for.

Born on October 8, 1937, in Sampson County, Bryan grew up on the family farm where he learned the value of hard work.  He met and married his wife, the one he called "Rochelle", on April 2, 1957.  They began to raise their family and Bryan eventually learned to build, a talent he excelled in.  Bryan would begin his own business, Williams Construction, which he operated for over 40 years.  He received his contractor's license in the 1970's.  Through his construction business, Bryan built many homes in Sampson and surrounding counties, even a few all the way to the coast.

His love for building and construction carried over to his two sons, Jeff, who worked with him until his retirement, and Danny, who worked with him until Danny started his own business.  Figuring house plans and building houses was not just something Bryan did to pass the time; it was his passion and calling in life.  He took pride in his work and if you wanted something done right, Bryan was your best bet.

Bryan was a member of the Home Builders Association, and he served on the town of Newton Grove's Park Committee and Zoning Board over the years.  He was a member of the Newton Grove Fire Department for over thirty years and also served as Assistant Chief until his retirement.

Bryan was the most wonderful father to his four children, and the best "papa, pa, granddaddy" to his seven grandchildren.  He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, deer and quail hunting, going spotlighting, building deer stands, or simply watching the grandchildren ride the golf cart, four-wheeler, or whatever else they were trying not to wreck.  He was known for getting a switch or "breaking a limb" as he called it if one of the grandchildren misbehaved.

Known for being a man of few words, Bryan was also able to grab a person's attention when he did speak.  He believed in hard work, and he devoted his life to his family.  Bryan enjoyed his chewing tobacco and raisin cakes and he loved his Ford pick-ups.

A service celebrating Bryan's life will be held on Monday, October 23, 2023 at 3:00PM at Newton Grove Methodist Church with Reverend Chris Leak officiating.  The family will receive friends prior to the service at 1:30PM at the church, and at other times at the home.  

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given to Newton Grove Fire Department, c/o Daniel Warwick, PO Box 172, Newton Grove, NC 28366, or Newton Grove Methodist Church, c/o Brenda Raynor or Mary Schwartz, PO Box 471, Newton Grove, NC 28366.

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