David DeBell Williams

David DeBell Williams, age 71 of Buchanan, passed away Saturday, March 7, 2020 at Lewis Gale Medical Center following a brief illness.

David was born in Manhattan, New York October 9, 1948 and was the son of the late David G. and Josephine A. Irwin Williams. He grew up in the Bronx and lived in Botetourt for more than 20 years.

David served in the US Army during the Vietnam War where he received two Orders of the Purple Heart, Bronze Star with Valor, and the Air Medal; and retired as a postal worker after more than 30 years of service. He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson, playing the harmonica, bagpipes, and guitar. When younger, he, his father, and brother marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and St. Patrick’s Day parade each year: David and Michael playing bagpipes and their father playing the bass drum.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his wife Julia E. McCarthy Williams. He is survived by his sons and daughter-in-law David and Kate Williams of Connecticut, Daniel Williams of New York; daughter, Donna Williams of Buchanan; brothers and sister-in-law: Michael Williams of New York, and Kevin and Lisa Williams of Georgia; sisters and brothers-in-law: Debbie and John Seymour of New York, and Kerry and Joseph O’Neill of South Carolina; many loving nieces and nephews; and beloved fur babies: Junior and Meadow.

A celebration of his life will be 7:00 pm, Friday March 13 at Rader Funeral Home, 630 Roanoke Road Daleville with Ben Peyton officiating. Full military honors will be provided by the US Army Honor Guard. David’s family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

David’s wish would be to support the health and welfare of animals. Please support the League for Animal Protection, PO Box 561, Fincastle, Virginia 24090.

Online condolences may be made to his family at www.rader-funeralhome.com.

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