Ronnie Williams

Ronald Austin Williams, age 73, a lifelong resident of Bradley County, passed away at Park West Medical Center in Knoxville on Monday, November 2, 2020 with his family by his side. Ronnie was retired from the United States Postal Service. He was a veteran of the United States Army and served in Vietnam, receiving the Bronze Star for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations against Hostile Forces. He was also the recipient of the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. He was a graduate of Bradley Central High School class of 1964 and attended Tennessee Technological University prior to entering the military.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Paul P. and Bobbie Dempsy Williams; grandparents, Horace, Perl, ad Lena Williams of Delano and Clarence and Lucille Dempsey of Cleveland.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory the love of his life and wife of over 50 years, Pat Kersey Williams and loving son, Chris Williams, (Tonya) of Clinton, TN, as well as three grandchildren who were his pride and joy, Kinsley, Cole, and Chase Williams of Clinton, TN. He will be remembered with much love by his five siblings: Sisters, Connie Grigsby of Cleveland and Paula Gill of Franklin, TN, Brothers Gerald (Novella) of Cleveland, Steve (Linda) of Polk County, and Eddie (Carolyn) of Franklin, TN. He also leaves behind two cherished aunts, Ruth Jenkins (Albert) of Englewood and Jackie Fussell of Cleveland, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews that he was close to, brothers-in-laws Jimmy Disharoon and Don Smith.
A heartfelt thanks from all family members to Don, who tirelessly drove Ronnie to doctor appointments and helped with anything that he needed for many years. A special thanks to his lifelong friends, Frank Whaley and Jerry Johnson, who visited often throughout his lengthy illness.
Ronnie loved collecting baseball card, knives, and military caps. In lieu of flowers the family request that memorial donations be made to www.wate.com/operation-honor-guard in Ronnie’s memory.
The family will receive friends on Sunday evening, November 8, 2020 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM in the Cleveland chapel of Companion Funeral Home. A graveside service with Military Honors will be on Monday, November 9, 2020 at 11:30 AM in the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery located at 5902 Lyons View Drive Knoxville, Tennessee 37919