Ab Williams

Elerbe Herron (Ab) Williams, age 88, of 530 West Kivett St., Asheboro died Saturday, April 18, 2009 at his home.Ab was born November 26, 1920 at Marshville, NC the son of Rufus Wilson Williams and Lavenia Stinson Williams. He grew up in Indian Trail.Ab attended Appalachian College where he played basketball, making the varsity as a freshman. Following his junior year Ab entered the Air Force, serving as a control tower operator in the Pacific during World War II. After service Ab attended Wake Forest College on a basketball scholarship where he earned all-conference honors. Recruited by the McCrary Eagles, Ab moved to Asheboro to play basketball in 1946 where he met and married Iris Lee Cox.Ab raised champion beagles and was an officer in the Mid-State Beagle Club. He coached little league baseball and at age 55 took up golf, twice winning the Senior City Amateur Championship. Ab was a Life Member of the Asheboro Lions Club and was a recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship. He was a member of Asheboro First Baptist Church where he was a Deacon, sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. Ab worked at Acme McCrary for 20 years and retired from Union Carbide. He is loved by his wife of 60 years Iris Lee Williams, sons: Herron Williams and his wife Denise of Zebulon, NC., Tim Williams of Garner, NC ; daughter: Nancy Jolley and husband Keith of Roaring River, NC ; granddaughter Dana Williams Glover and husband Wayne of Zebulon, NC and great- grandsons David, Hunter and Luke.Ab wished to have his body donated to Wake Forest University School of Medicine. The family would like to thank Hospice of Randolph County.The memorial service will be Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 2:00 at First Baptist Church, 133 N. Church St., Asheboro with Dr. John S. Rogers and Dr. J.B. Gibson officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 133 N. Church St., Asheboro, NC 27203; Hospice Of Randolph, P.O. Box 9, Asheboro, NC 27204-0009; or Asheboro Lions Club, P.O. Box 57, Asheboro, NC 27204.On-line condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com.