SYRACUSE – David Jay Williams, respectfully known as “Uncle Fred,” 69, Syracuse, passed away July 17, 2014, at his residence on Lake Wawasee. He was born March 5, 1945, in Goshen, to Richard Darby and Louise Ecklebarger Williams. He served proudly in the Navy as a mechanic and welder on nuclear submarines and surface ships. He used his military training skills to establish a later career as a nuclear engineer, executing independent quality assurance inspection for existing U.S. nuclear power plants, the construction of gas turbine power plants, oil pipelines, bridges, international fire-fighting equipment, and tested materials such as that which was used to rebuild Manhattan’s underground waterways. He was a member of both Syracuse American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He loved hummingbirds and living on Lake Wawasee where he enjoyed year-round water sports – swimming, boating, water-skiing, bare-footing, sailing, fishing, ice-boating and dancing. He had a passion for golf, cooking, Budweiser, singing/improvisational rapping with his daughter, songwriting and picking his beloved Martin guitar with his many friends (most especially when playing “Puff the Magic Dragon” while letting his grandson jump on his bed). He is survived by his daughter, Whitney Williams, 30; a grandson, Easton Dai Ulery, 4, Indianapolis; former wife, Nancy Barnette Williams, Indianapolis; a brother, Darby (and spouse Chris) Williams, Lake Lure, N.C.; a sister, Jan (and spouse George) Agisotelis, Palm Harbor, Fla.; a stepmother, Dorothy Williams, Oldsmar, Fla.; nieces, nephews and cousins. The infamous “Lake Trash” is survived by Uncle Fred as well – a generationally growing group of loving family and friends he helped found in the ’60s. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Sandra and Sally. A celebration of his reputable life will be from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse, with military honors concluding his memorial service. ***** Memorials to The Rare and Aggressive Cancer research, the Syracuse VFW, Easton’s college education or the Tree House Fund. Condolences may be sent via eastundfuneralhome.com
