Senior Refrigeration Officer Russell, Russ, Williams
It is with so much sadness that I announce that Senior Refrigeration Officer Russell J Williams peacefully crossed the bar on 22nd April. He was 87.
His funeral will be held at the Weston Mill Crematorium (HERE for their website and HERE for a map) at 13:30 on Friday 2 May and afterwards at the Masonic Lodge, St Budeaux (HERE for their website and HERE for a map). Old shipmates and colleagues will be most welcome to help celebrate Russ’s life.
The arrangements are being made by the Funeral Directors, Parsons Crownhill, (HERE for their website and HERE for a map)
Donations in lieu of flowers to the RNLI either on the day or through Parsons.
On behalf of the RFA Association I extend our sincere condolences to all his family
If you have a remembrance of Russ please email it to be at deputy.chairman@rfaa.uk and I will post them on this page.
Over 100 people crowded in to the chapel at Weston Mill to say farewell to Russ this afternoon.
Prominent among the many standards was the RFA Southwest Standard which was created in 2001 at his suggestion.
His son Peter gave a moving and amusing eulogy which covered his long and busy career which began as an apprentice at Messrs Willoughby, Millbay in 1942. Joining the RFA in Echodale in 1946 he spent much of the early years on the Far East Station and continued for 40 years to his retirement in 1986. It was then that he really got busy devoting his time and energy to numerous organisations including, RBL, RNLI, RFAA, the Masons, Shopmobilty and as a guide on HMS Plymouth.
Afterwards family and friends reminisced over refreshments in the Masonic Hall under his watchful twinkling eye as he looked down on us from a large photo on the wall.
He will be long and well remembered.
DMG.
