YALE — Gerald S. Williams, 80, formerly of Courtland, passed away on Dec. 27, 2015 in Franklin, Virginia.

He was born in Newsoms, Virginia, son of the late Jimmie Ryan Williams and Lonie Drake Williams. He was predeceased by his first wife of 45 years, Ann Story Williams.

Left to cherish his memory are wife, Virginia Carr Williams of Yale; a sister, Ann Williams Jones of Mechanicsville; and an aunt, Josephine Futrell Sumner of Franklin. He is also survived by his children, Sharon and Mike Wills of Louisa; Susan and Tim Blanks of Lynchburg; and Jim and Kim Williams of Courtland; and grandchildren, Mary Michael W. Cantrell, Cameron Wills, Meghan B. Jester, Kelsey Blanks, Matt Blanks, James Williams, Sarah Williams and Josh Williams; and one great-grandchild, Thomas Cantrell.

Gerald graduated from Boykins High School and left home to attend Virginia Polytechnic Institute, receiving a B.S. in Agricultural Education. While at VPI, he was a pitcher on the baseball team and served proudly in the Corp of Cadets. Upon his graduation in 1956 he served in the U.S. Army Reserves.

He married Ann and moved to Smithfield to teach and coach at Smithfield High School. In 1961, he began working for the Royster Fertilizer Company in Virginia Beach and soon moved to Courtland to manage the Royster Fertilizer office there. It was not long before he made his final career change to farming which he loved until his health caused him to retire.

Gerald was a member of Courtland United Methodist Church since 1963, teaching Sunday School and serving in various leadership roles. He attended Antioch Baptist Church after moving to Yale. He was very active in the Courtland Ruritan Club, and was a charter member of the Courtland Rescue Squad.

Gerald, who always wore a Virginia Tech cap, enjoyed his many summers spent at the DeCharmarnel Park in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, especially when the fish were biting. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed following athletics at Southampton Academy with his children. and later supported his grandchildren on the field, in the gym and on the performance stage.

The graveside service will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 29, in Riverside Cemetery, Courtland, with Pastor Michael Gregory officiating.

The family will receive friends at Wright Funeral Home, Franklin on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m., and suggests in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gerald’s memory to the Village at Woods Edge – Asa’s Neighborhood, 1401 N. High St., Franklin, VA 23851.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.