Effron Avery Williams Jr.
Sept. 16, 1918 – April 25, 2016

Effron Avery Williams Jr., born September 16, 1918, died April 25, 2016.

A native of Swan Quarter, Hyde County, North Carolina, the oldest son of Effron A. Williams Sr. and Lucy F. Williams, and brother of USAF Lt. Colonel William F. Williams.

Avery attended Tiny Oak Grade School in Swan Quarter, Swan Quarter High School and Presbyterian Junior College in Maxton, NC. He graduated in 1940 from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Ceramic Engineering, and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry.

Avery was employed in 1940 by Mexico Refractories Company in Mexico, MO. In 1942, he was called to active duty and served in Panama, Australia, New Guinea, Solomon Islands and The Philippines during World War II. During his active duty in New Guinea, Avery was transferred from the U.S. Army Infantry to the U.S. Army Air Corps, promoted to Captain, and received an honorable discharge in 1946.

In July of 1945, Avery married Margaret Alvera Enslen of Mexico, MO. In 1946, he joined The Climax Fire Brick Company of New Bethlehem, PA. He joined North American Refractories of Cleveland, OH in 1951 to begin a 34-year career, culminating as company president for 12 years. He was a member of The Iron & Steel Institute. The Williams family resided in Rocky River, Ohio for over thirty years. In 1983, Avery and Alvera Williams retired to Ft. Lauderdale, FL and were active boaters at the Coral Ridge Yacht Club. In 1993, they relocated to Sea Pines of Hilton Head Island, SC, and were active members at Sea Pines Country Club.

Alvera Williams preceded Avery in death in 2012. Effron Avery Williams Jr. leaves three sons: Gary P. Williams of Waitsfield, VT; Gregory S. Williams of Alexandria, OH; Mark A. Williams of Hilton Head, SC; eleven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A mass of Christian burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church on Hilton Head Island, SC on Friday, May 13th at 10:00AM.

Committal of cremated remains will be interred at Six Oaks Cemetery in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island, SC. The family suggests that those who wish to make a memorial contribution donate to Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, PO Box 3827, Bluffton, SC 29910.

Arrangements are by The Island Funeral Home and Crematory, theislandfuneralhome.com.