Harry Warren Williams Sr.

Harry Warren Williams, Sr. age 92, passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2011, at his home surrounded by family. Born on Nov. 12, 1918 in Harpersfield Township, Harry was the third son born to Allen P. and May (Bishop) Williams. He grew up on a farm in Harpersfield that would later become his and on which he would reside most of his life. Harry married Sarah V. Fortney on May 9, 1943 in Unionville, Ohio. She would be his lifelong sweetheart. In recent years Harry lovingly took care of Sarah after she had major surgeries and she in turn cared for him and made his final days more comfortable. Seldom does one see a lifetime of love and devotion like this couple shared for 68 years. Years of hard work brought harry to a skill which would encompass 30 years of his life. He retired from Rockwell International (Saybrook) in 1980. While employed as a Machinist/Tool Die maker for Rockwell he also ran the family farm where they had moved to in 1956. He raised cattle, hay, grains, and a large garden. Harry become fond of horses as a young man helping his father with a team that ferried children to school, so it was natural for horses to become part of the farm and the family. With his guidance each of his children had the opportunity to own a horse and engage in the responsibility. Harry enjoyed music very much and learned to play guitar, banjo and accordion. In later years, his hobbies included woodworking (of which there are many clocks, shelves and tables to prove his skills). Riding his four wheeler on the farm and giving his great-grandchildren rides wa a pleasure for him until he was 90 years old. He loved to travel and had several humorous stories to tell from journeys in his younger years, as well as hundreds of pictures of family vacations throughout his life. A culmination of his travels was a month long trip to Alaska for his and Sarah?s 50th Anniversary. Harry was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his dear friend, companion and wife, Sarah; daughter, Julie M. Williams of Geneva; son, Harry W. (Dee) Williams, Jr. of Harpersfield; daughter, Lurene Carol Williams Stouder of Geneva Twp.; former son-in-law, Ron Stouder of Missouri; grandsons, Warren (Stacie) Williams of Harpersfield, Justin (Deb) Williams of Saybrook, Shawn (Randi) Williams of Geneva, Jason Covert of Columbus, Austin Stouder of Silver City,IA and step-grandson, Chris Williamson; great-grandchildren, Kayla Williams, Dalton & Nathan Williams, Ashley, Kyle & Kayden Covert, Logan Williams, Clay Williams, and one brother, Allen Williams of Geneva. Harry also thought the world of former daughter-in-law and family friend, Virginia (Tom) Surbella who has cared for them dearly throughout the years. Harry was preceded in death by parents, Allen & May Williams; brothers, Nathan & Newell Williams; sister-in-law, Ellen (Al) Williams; good friend and brother-in-law, Lloyd Dalin and several nieces. A special thank you to Hospice of the Western Reserve for helping the family in making Harry?s last days more comfortable. Friends will be received 10:30 am ? 12 noon, Saturday, October 15, 2011, at The Behm Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, 175 South Broadway, Geneva, Ohio with a Funeral Service following at 12 Noon. Final resting place will be Alexander Harper Cemetery in Unionville, Ohio. Contributions may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 300 East 185th St., Cleveland, OH 44119.