Jerry Williams

Jerome (Jerry) Williams, 73, a long time Atlantic resident, passed away on Wednesday, January 5, 2005, at the Cass Country Memorial Hospital.Jerry was born October 5, 1931 to John Ansel and Myrtle E. (Hansen) Williams. He attendedthe Atlantic schools and graduated from Atlantic High School in 1952. During his school days, he played football, ran track and sang in the Boys Glee Club and chorus. After graduation, he enlisted in the Navy with three of his friends, Byron Baker, Jim Lane and Dick Seivert. On May 15, 1953, he was united in marriage to Sally A. Hazlehurst in Peabody, Massachusetts. Jerry enjoyed a distinguished 20 year naval career as a hospital corpsman. He served during the Korean Conflict and, also made three seven month cruises while serving aboard the cruisers USS Helena, USS Salem and USS Los Angeles. Jerry also served aboard the destroyer the USS Brush. He served in Vietnam where he attained the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. He was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association, Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Jerry had a second 20 year career as a teller/cashier at the First Whitney Bank and Trust in Atlantic, retiring in 1996. Since 1972, Jerry was the organizing committee for his AHS class reunions, an event he took great care and pride in coordinating. Jerry is survived by his wife, Sally A. Williams; his mother, Myrtle E. Williams of Atlantic; two sons and two daughters, Byron Williams and wife Starlyn of Yankton, S.D., Rebecca Turner of Council Bluffs, IA, Donald Williams and wife Tammy of Ames, and Sharon Williams of Austin, TX.; seven grandchildren, Brandon and Tiffany Turner, Hillary and Tyler Sonntag and Michael, Matthew and Haley Williams and one sister-in-law, Lois Williams of Denver, CO.He is preceded in death by his father, John Ansel Williams and a brother, John Williams.Services for Jerry will be Monday, January 10, 2005 at the Roland Funeral Home at 10:30 A.M. with retired Navy Chaplain, Pastor Charles Bichel officiating. Burial will be in the Atlantic Cemetery.Funeral InformationIN LOVING MEMORY OFJEROME (JERRY) WILLIAMSBorn October 5, 1931Atlantic, IowaENTERED INTO RESTJanuary 5, 2005At the Cass County Hospital in Atlantic, Iowa73 years and 3 monthsFUNERAL SERVICEMonday, January 10, 2005Ten Thirty O"Clock A.M.Roland Funeral HomeAtlantic, IowaOFFICIATINGPastor Charles BichelCHC, USN, Ret.MUSICAL SELECTIONS"Ave Maria&""Amazing Grace&""Eternal Father, "Strong to Save&"(Navy Hymn)By Don NielsenORGANISTEileen DenneFLOWER COMMITTEEJack & JoBeth JensenINTERMENTAtlantic CemeteryAtlantic, IowaMilitary Color GuardFriends and relatives are invited to a luncheon at the Catholic Parish Center following interment.