Francis W. "Willie" Williams

He was born on July 18, 1924, in Charlotte, to Thomas Walter and RosaMae Irvin Williams.

Francis was a WWII veteran who served his country in the U.S. Army from May 3, 1943, until his honorable discharge on Dec. 29, 1945. He received the American Theater Campaign Medal, the EAMET Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars; the Good Conduct Medal; the Victory Medal; and the Purple Heart with One Oak Leaf Cluster. He fought in Naples-Foggia; Rome-Arno; Southern France; and the Rhineland.

Mr. Williams retired as a printer from Wikoff Color Corporation in Charlotte.

He was a member of the VFW Post #9488, Charlotte, where he served three terms as Post Commander.

Survivors include three children, Randy (Jamie) Williams, York, SC; Scott (Susan) Williams, Mint Hill, NC; and Phillip Williams, Los Angeles, CA; five grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and special friend, Wannie Porter.

His family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 19, 2011, from 6-8 p.m. at the McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd., Mint Hill, NC. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at McEwen-Mint Hill Chapel. The Reverend Dr. Rodney Quesenberry of Broadus Memorial Baptist Church in Concord, NC, will officiate.

Entombment will be at Sunset Memory Gardens Mausoleum in Mint Hill.

His family would like to thank the staff at the Cove at Wilora Lake Lodge for seven years of compassionate care.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Donations may be given to Hospice and Palliative Care, Charlotte Region, 1420 E. 7 St., Charlotte, NC 28204-2408.

Condolences to the family may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.