Ellis Wayne Williams

Ellis Wayne Williams, 95, of Somerset, passed away on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at FairHope Hospice Pickering House, surrounded by his daughters. Wayne was born May 31, 1926, in his home near Rushville, Ohio, the only son of Ellis and Bess Williams. He was a 1944 graduate of Somerset High School and a member of Somerset United Methodist Church. As a member of the Future Farmers of America, he was named Outstanding Young Farmer in 1943. Wayne joined the war effort serving in the 603rd Tank Company during WWII as a tank driver in the Philippines and Occupied Japan during WWII, attaining the rank of Sargent. Among his greatest loves was the consistent interaction with as many of his WWII comrades as possible, often hosting reunions over the past 75 years and continued ongoing personal visits and interaction throughout his lifetime. When Wayne returned home from the service, he soon married Naomi Elizabeth Stoltz. They had two daughters, Marilyn and Connie. Wayne enjoyed several agriculturally related careers during his lifetime; proudly working his family’s farm the first 35 years of his adult life, then retiring to begin his second career in agricultural drainage, operating Williams Farm Drainage for another 35 years. He took great delight in having left his mark on thousands of acres within Perry and Fairfield County. Retiring again in his 80’s, he launched his third career as an auto parts deliveryman working well into his 80’s. Wayne was a devoted Christian providing faithful service to the Church and its related ministries his entire life. Surviving are his daughters, Marilyn Grubb with her husband Ron and Connie Miller with her husband Ken, all of Somerset; five grandchildren, Jason and Becky Grubb of Lancaster, Ryan Grubb of Groveport, J.B. and Megan Miller of Somerset; Jodi and Ryan Beckstedt of Rushville; and Jessi and Ryan McGahan of Columbus. Wayne’s legacy also includes his great grandchildren, Megan and Laney Grubb, Bailey and Colton Beckstedt; MaKinze and Kasen Miller and Morgan and Madi McGahan. He loved to watch the grandchildren and great grandchildren compete in their various sports. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife of 59 years, Naomi in 2007. Due to Covid 19, the family has chosen to have a private service. Burial will follow in Oakthorpe Cemetery with military honors provided by the Somerset American Legion Leo Ryan Post 58. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Somerset United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 237, Somerset, OH 43783. Bope-Thomas Funeral Home in Somerset is entrusted with the arrangements. www.bopethomasfuneralhome.com

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