BRANDON — John Thomas Williams, age 83, passed away Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, at his home in Brandon.
John was born in Shoreham on August 23, 1936. He was the son of Benjamin Harrison Williams and Frederika (Ryan) Williams. He grew up in Shoreham. He received his education in Shoreham and Middlebury schools. He joined the United State Marine Corps in 1953 and was Honorably Discharged in 1956. Following his discharge, he worked at Pratt-Whitney Corporation in Hartford, Conn., until returning to Vermont in 1959.
He worked with his father in the roofing business until starting his own roofing and painting business. He retired in 1999. He and his wife spent the next 15 years as snow birds to Florida. In his earlier years he enjoyed racing cars and playing golf and hanging out with friends playing poker. In more recent time he enjoyed tinkering with anything that needed fixing. He liked yard sales and collecting junk, but most of all spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Carmen (Reed) Williams of Brandon, whom he married in Rutland on April 11, 1964; two sons, Kevin Williams and Tim Williams, both of Forest Dale; three daughters, Diana Williams and Laurie Williams, both of Forest Dale, and Polly Forrest of Lake Panasogskee, Fla.; two brothers, Robert Williams and Maurice Williams; and six sisters, Jean Currier, Nancy Slade, Mary Warren, Patricia Gagnon, Margaret Riviat and Terry Lee Brinkman. Ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive him. He was predeceased by a daughter; Karen E. Williams, a brother; Benjamin H. Williams II and two nieces and two nephews.
Friends may pay their respects to the family at a gathering in celebration of his life on Sunday, March 8, from noon until 2 p.m., at Brandon American Legion Post 55. The graveside committal service and burial, with military honors, will take place at a later date in Forest Dale Cemetery.
Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made, in his memory to Brandon Area Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 232, Brandon, VT 05733 or to Rutland Area Visiting Nurse & Hospice, 7 Albert Cree Drive, Rutland, VT 05701.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon.◊