Michael Ray Williams, 61, of Chester Gap, VA, passed away Sunday, January 28, 2024.
Mike was born October 22, 1962 to the late Gracie Deloris Pullen Himes and the late David Lewin Williams. He was also preceded in death by his stepfather, Gilbert Franklin “Butch” Himes, Sr.; grandparents, Dudley Pullen, Julia Dulin Pullen, Garfield Williams and Eddie Goranson; brother-in-law, Pete Dye; and father-in-law, Danny Hickerson.
Mike is survived by his wife of 33 years, Marilyn Dannette Hickerson Williams of Chester Gap, VA; a son, David Michael Williams, daughter-in-law, Jenai, and grandson, Arimiah; one sister, Kelly Williams Dye and brother-in-law, Mike Davis of Culpeper, VA; two stepbrothers, Gilbert Franklin Himes, Jr. and wife Wanda of Front Royal, VA, and Paul David Himes and wife Laura of Morgantown, WV; stepsister, Lisa Ann Metz of Morgantown, WV; bonus brother, Mike North and wife Delores of Chester Gap, VA; grandmother, Minnie North Williams Goranson of Culpeper, VA (formerly of Chester Gap, VA); nephew, Brandon Dye of Cambridge, England; niece, Abby Hickerson of Luray, VA; mother-in-law, Mary Hickerson of Chester Gap, VA; and brother-in-law Greg Hickerson and wife Angie of Luray, VA. Mike also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.
Mike was a lifelong resident of Chester Gap, VA. He was a 1981 graduate of Rappahannock County High School. He worked many years for VDOT in Northern Virginia and spent his later years working at Bowling Green Country Club in Front Royal, VA. Mike also DJed as a hobby for several years.
A memorial service will be held Friday, February 9, 2024 at 2 P.M. at Maddox Funeral Home in Front Royal, VA with Sammy Campbell and Pastor David Clanagan officiating. Interment will be in Williams Family Cemetery, Chester Gap, VA. The family will receive friends Thursday, February 8, 2024 from 6-8 P.M. at Maddox Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Tommy Williams, Jeff Leake, Glenn Williams, Tony “Tater” Williams, Chris Williams, and Berkley “Buck” Williams.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Williams, Thomas Leake, Alan Fleet, Ricky Atkins, Wayne “Rooster” Williams, and JJ Jones.
In lieu of flowers. donations may be made in Michael ‘s name to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork Street, Winchester, VA. 22601.
Mike had a wonderful singing voice. I remember when we played music together with Nuburn Witt (guitar, singer), Timmy Witt (guitar), Donny Lutz (fiddle), and Earl Lynsky (singer, guitar). Those were pleasant times and memories. –John Thomson
I am so sorry to hear of Michael Ray’s passing. Such a nice funny person. Dannette and David, you are in my thoughts & prayers.
Jenny
Danette, David, Mary, Kelly: There will never be another Michael Ray, or his dad Lewin. They were the guys who made a sad person smile. He was so generous with his D J hobby and many friends enjoyed his singing and playing with his buddies. His playing the song, ” Silver Wings”. for me always touched my heart. Tommy and I loved him and so did the rest of our family. God Bless you and Michael’s memories.