Donald “Red” Claris Williams, 86, of Statesville, N.C., passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. Born October 17, 1937, in Iredell County, he was the husband of Priscilla “Jane” Williams and the son of the late Claris R. and Georgia Harris Williams.

He was employed as a sheet metal worker for 55 years with Statesville Roofing Company and was a member of Taylor Springs Baptist Church. He could fix anything and loved farming and gardening. His grandchildren were the light of his eyes. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Donald is survived by his wife Priscilla “Jane” Stobert Williams; two sons, Eric Williams and Matt (Kathy) Williams; brothers and sisters, Edsel (Lois) Williams, Loretta W. Mendez, Delaine Williams, and Dennis (Ann) Williams. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Seth (Virginiann) Williams, Kaleb Williams, and Sara Williams.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Bertie Byrd, Annie Mae Cloer, Junior Williams, Helen Bunton, and Anita Turnmire.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Donald’s memory to The Baptist Children’s Home of North Carolina, 204 Idol Street, Thomasville, NC 27360.

The family will receive friends at Troutman Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, at Taylor Springs Baptist Church with Rev. Carl Williams officiating. Mr. Williams will lie in state at the church thirty minutes prior to the service. Burial will follow in Iredell Memorial Gardens with full military honors.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.