08

Dear Friends and Schoolmates, We have more sad, if a bit belated, news to report.

Rayvone Williams, Class of 1968, husband of Gilda Prevatte Williams, Class of 196_, passed away in Newport News on Monday, July 28, 2008 at the age of 58.

His siblings include Brenda Williams Harris, Linda Mae Williams Cheek ('66), Diane Williams Johnson, and Gary Williams.

Thought I would let you know that Rayvone Williams passed away last Monday. He graduated from NNHS in 1968. I have not seen him in about 25 years so I don't know the circumstances of his death.

Oh, Mike, I'm so sorry to hear this. I remember reading his obituary this week, but as I didn't know him, failed to make the connection. Thank you so much for bring this to my attention.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

—Gary Williams, Surry, Virginia

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
http://www.ruthann1.com

—Peggy Williams, Surry, Virginia

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

—Christy Clark, Smithfield, Virginia

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

The sorrow of the faithful
is not that of permanent loss,
but the tender sense of sadness
that comes in saying good-bye for now
to someone we love.
May today's sorrow give way
to the peace and
comfort of God's love.

It will be the little things
that you will remember,
the quiet moments,
the smiles, the laughter.
And although it may seem
hard right now,
it will be the memories
of these little things
that help to push
away the pain
and bring the smiles
back again.

—Stephanie Hale, Suwanee, Georgia

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of sorrow. May God's grace, peace and love surround you.

—Angie Post, Grafton, Virginia Contact Me

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

You fought a battle, Uncle Ray. I love ya

—Tonya

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

My heart goes out to the family and friends who has lost a very dear and loving man, I am honored that I knew him as a family member and friend...
I love and miss you Ray, you will always have a place in my heart! Can't wait to see you in heaven when God is ready for me! Keep an eye out on us all until that day comes, when we all will be together again.

—Peggy Williams, Surry, Virginia

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Know that God's Blessings are with you and will comfort you in your time of sorrow.
We will miss you, Uncle Rayvon. May you rest in peace in the glory of God.

Carl, Christine, Nathan & Kaityln Fulmore

—Carl Fulmore, Fredericksburg, Virginia

Friday, August 01, 2008

Well, today is the day... It just doesn't seem right that you are gone Ray, you are going to be missed so very much, but you will remain in our hearts and our minds always.
We Love and Miss You
Goodbye For Now...Please watch over us all until that day comes that we can all be together again.
Until Then
Love Ya

—Peggy Williams, Surry, Virginia

Friday, August 01, 2008

We are truly sorry for your loss. Sunny and I will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

—Harvey Cook, Navarre, Florida

We offer our sincerest condolences to the entire Williams family at this difficult time.

Y'all take good care of each other! TYPHOONS FOREVER! We'll Always Have Buckroe!

Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Hath broken every barrier down;
Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, of that free love
The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,
Here for a season, then above,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

			NEWPORT NEWS - Willie Rayvone Williams, better known by all as Ray, passed away Monday, July 28, 2008. He lived his life helping and giving to all around him. He was born in Robbins, N.C., on March 4, 1950, to Willie Graham Williams and Dossie Mae Williams. A resident of the peninsula since 1958, he retired from Harris Truck and Auto Body Shop after 36 years of dedicated service.


He leaves behind a loving wife, Gilda Ann Prevatte Williams, whom he married on Jan. 10, 1969. Also surviving are two children: son, Tony Ray Williams, born May 7, 1972, and daughter, Teresa Ann Williams Sharrett, born Aug. 11, 1975; six grandchildren, Ryan Joseph Sides, Joshua Ray Williams, Joseph Dylan Williams, Veronica Gail Sharrett, Victoria Louella Sharrett and Leo Herman Gilliland; three sisters and one brother, Brenda Harris, Linda Mae Cheek, Diane Johnson and Gary Williams. He was a dedicated husband, father and grandpa. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 31, at Peninsula Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at noon Friday at the funeral home by Pastor Rusty Beck of Parkview Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park. Following services, the family will receive friends at the home of Donna Beard, 179 Carnegie Drive, Newport News, VA 23601. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the family of Willie Rayvone Williams. Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks. Published in the Daily Press on 8/2/2008. Guest Book