Ezra Williams' Obituary
Ezra Williams, 86, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and dear friend to so many, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Tavares, Florida on Monday, May 27, 2024.
One of twelve children, Ezra was born on March 6, 1938 in Wheelwright, Kentucky to James and Gladys Williams. He grew up in Kentucky and later moved to Marion, Ohio. Ezra joined the US Air Force in December, 1955 and while stationed at Homestead AFB, he met and married the love of his life, Frances. Ezra won Frances over with his great sense of humor which continued throughout his entire life. Ezra and Frances were happily married for over 63 years until her passing in May, 2021.
While serving in the US Air Force, Ezra became certified as an electrical radar technician and found his passion for electronics. Following Ezra’s honorable discharge in December, 1963, he worked as a television repairman and in January, 1966, Ezra was hired by the Boeing Company as an electrical engineer.
Ezra had a prestigious 35 year career with the Boeing Company working in multiple defense programs. He was awarded over 100 certificates of excellence and/or merit, including several awards for designing and implementing tools aiding development for the Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) Program. Ezra worked on multiple defense programs including Apollo 11 & 12, IUS, and Space Shuttle-MIR programs.
Ezra is survived by his daughter Barbara and son-in-law Curt Contrata, grandson Joseph Sams; his daughter Sharon and son-in-law Richard Keith, grandson Richard W. Keith, grandson Michael and wife Madison Keith, grandson John Keith and girlfriend Maria Villalobos, grandson Matthew and husband Alex
Keith, grandchild Tony Keith and partner Latimer Deem, great-granddaughters Savannah and Sierra Keith and great-grandson Richie S. Keith; and his daughter Tracey and son-in-law Timothy Dickson, granddaughter Lauren and her husband Franklin Niles, and grandsons Benjamin and Timothy W. Dickson.
The family will receive friends and loved ones on Saturday, June 1 at 10:00 am for the viewing, followed by a Christian funeral at 10:30 am to be held in the Chapel at Steverson, Hamlin and Hilbish in Tavares, Florida. Ezra will then be laid to rest at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. Online condolences at www.steversonhamlinhibish.com.
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