In Memory of William R. Williams, Sr.

Obituary

William R. Williams, Sr., 82, of Clinton and formerly of New Hartford, passed away September 21, 2026 at the Masonic Care Community.

He was born August 13,1944, in Utica, the son of the late Robert and Blodwen (Griffiths) Williams. He graduated from Utica Free Academy and then took Graphics Arts classes at MVCC.  He married Sharon Tracy on May 13, 1972.

Bill worked as a printer for New Hartford Printing, UNIVAC, Utica College, St. Luke’s Hospital, GE and Lockheed Martin.

He joined Mohawk Valley Chapter Order of DeMolay in Utica in 1961.  He continued his involvement as an adult serving as Chapter Dad, Region Governor and as an Advisor until his death.  He recently received his 65 year certificate of membership in the organization. Bill was a  recipient of the DeMolay Degree of Chevalier, Cross of Honor, and Legion of Honor. 

Bill joined Oriental-Faxton Lodge # 224 Free and Accepted Masons, in 1971.  He was the recipient of the Dedicated Service Award and received his 55 year apron and pin in 2026.  He joined the Valley of Utica AASR in 1975 and served as Sovereign Price in 1983-84 and also as Hospitaler and Tiler. He received the Scottish Rite Dedicated Service Award in 2005, the Meritorious Service Award in 2012 and was a 50 year member in 2025.

He joined the Ziyara Shriners in 1976 and was an active member of the Director’s Staff, serving as Director from 1987-2009.  He was also a part of the Transportation Unit and enjoyed driving children and their parents to the Shriners’ Hospital in Springfield, MA.

He joined Utica Chapter, now known as Bright Star Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star in 1975.  He later became a dual member of Evening Star Valley Chapter in Ilion.  He was a 50 year member. He served many times as Worthy Patron for both chapters.  He served as Grand Lecturer for the Lewis-Oneida District in 2011 and 2013 and the Fulton-Hamilton-Herkimer-Montgomery District in 2017-2018 and 2018 -2019. 

Bill is survived by his wife, Sharon; his sons Bill Jr, and Kevin (Amanda); his grandchildren Zachary (Camille) Williams, Tyler (Annabelle) Williams, Megan (Andrew) Begley, Jazmine English (Xavier Yost) and Jaron English; his great-grandchildren Adalyn and Brantley Williams, Eleanor Begley and Emmett Yost; his brother Howard (Claudia), nephews Keith and Mark (Roxanne), brother-in-law Gary Tracy and several other nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, his in-laws Jerry and Jean Tracy, his brother Bobby and daughter-in-law Andrea Williams.

Calling hours will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.  Services will follow at 1:00 PM with ritualistic services by the Order of the Eastern Star, Oriental-Faxton Lodge # 224 F & AM and a funeral service with Rev. Robert Wollaber offiicating.  Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Ziyara Shriners Transportation Fund, 8209 Halsey Road, Whitesboro, NY 13492.

Online messages of sympathy may be left at: www.fwefh.com