Roger Thomas Williams

Saturday, December 19, 2020, after living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for over two

years. A private graveside service will be held and a larger celebration of life will take place in

the future following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Roger was born in Metairie, Louisiana to John and Eilleen Dykas Williams. His family lived in

many different places during his childhood: La Place, LA; Highland Lakes, NJ; Huntington Beach,

CA; Owensboro, KY; Matawan, NJ; Knoxville, TN; West Deptford, NJ; Moss Bluff, LA; and The

Woodlands, TX. Roger had fond memories of traveling around the country with his family. As a

result of moving frequently, Roger had a remarkable ability to make friends and connect with

people wherever he went. Despite time and distance, Roger could always pick up old

friendships where they left off, no matter how much time had passed. As a result, he had many

dear friends from all phases of his life. He also had close relationships with his parents and

sister, and many rich family traditions that he passed on to his own children.

Roger spent much of his young adulthood in Austin, TX. During that time, he worked in the

restaurant industry, as a delivery driver and assistant manager at Papa John’s. At the age of 28,

he met his future wife, Kate Silton, through a mutual friend. Four years later, in 2010, they

moved to Greensboro, NC. They were married on November 13, 2010, in Durham, NC. Roger’s

ten years living in Greensboro were full and eventful. In 2011, he and Kate purchased a home in

Lindley Park, and became active members of that community. In 2013, Roger and Kate

welcomed their elder daughter Annabel, who was soon followed by younger daughter Emily in

2015. During this decade, Roger returned to school, earning dual bachelor’s degrees from

Guilford College in History and Education Studies. He earned these degrees while working full

time in the kitchen at Sticks and Stones Clay Oven Pizza, and while being a loving and active

husband and father. Roger taught high school social studies for two years after graduating.

While he only taught for a short time, his colleagues remember him as having endless kindness

and empathy for his students. After teaching, he returned to Sticks and Stones as the kitchen

manager, where he worked until ALS rendered him unable to do the physical work of running a

kitchen. He still maintained a close relationship with the restaurant and helped out by placing

food orders until days before his death.

Roger took so much joy in being Annabel and Emily’s dad. He delighted in playing with them,

instigating family dance parties, and taking them on adventures. Until he was unable to drive

anymore, he brought them to school each day, even after walking through the halls to

Annabel’s classroom became a struggle. He put them to bed each night, until he could no

longer go up and down the stairs. He had a marvelous capacity to figure out creative ways to

bond with his children as his abilities changed. Roger, Kate, and the girls packed a lot of life into

what would end up being his last two years on earth, taking trips to Austin, Disney World, and

the Outer Banks. He attended as many school activities, gymnastics performances, and

community events as he could.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, an aunt, two uncles, and a cousin.

He is survived by his wife, Katherine Silton; daughters Annabel Elizabeth Williams and Emily

Olivia Williams; parents John and Eilleen Williams of Brown Summit, NC; sister Ursula Williams

(LJ Luciano) of Austin, TX; and nephew Rogan William Luciano of Austin, TX.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Team Gleason Foundation or Hospice of the

Piedmont in memory of Roger Thomas Williams.

Online condolences may be made @ www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com. Hanes Lineberry

North Elm Chapel is serving the Silton-Williams family.