Bruce Williams

Cmdr. Bruce H. Williams, CHC, USN, Retired, 101, of West Columbia, passed away on Sunday, October 24, 2021, in Houston. Bruce Williams was born August 21, 1920, to Clyde and Jeanette (Shepherd) Williams in Sharon Hill, Pa.

He attended the University of the Ozark and the Princeton Theology Seminary and joined the United States Navy in 1941 and served until 1975. He was a line office in World War II, a chaplain in Korea and Vietnam and, also served as a prison chaplain for 10 years before retiring. Then he served small churches as pulpit supply or as stated supply.

Bruce received numerous awards for his service in the Navy and received many awards from the University of the Ozarks Alumni Association. He was a minister in the Presbyterian Church, American Legion, VFW, and Fleet Reserve Association. He enjoyed watching DVDs, writing his book, working on the computer, and playing computer games.

After serving his country, he settled in West Columbia, Texas with his wife Virginia Lou Laster. Bruce was the father to Jannette Williams and Ginger Williams.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Elizabeth, his brother John and his first wife Virginia Lou Laster Williams.

Bruce is survived by his wife Rev. Tracy (Julian) Williams, daughters Jannette Chambers and husband Steve and Ginger Abbiatti and husband Larry, granddaughter Ashley Schwinn and husband Graham and great grandson Cooper Schwinn.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of C.T. Baker & Sons Funeral Home in West Columbia, with funeral services followed at 1:00 p.m. officiated by Rev. Lynn Hargrove. Bruce will be laid to rest at a later date in Clarksville, Arkansas.

In Lieu of flowers family ask to make donations to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Attn: Development, 875 North Randolph St., Suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203.