Lonnie Ray Williams

Lonnie Ray Williams, 79, died Oct. 16, 2012, at his home in Caswell Lakes, Willow, with a fire in the hearth and his snow-covered, beloved Alaska outside his window.

Lonnie was born at his home March 9, 1933, in Dec Arc, Ark., to John and Gladys Williams. He proudly served his country during the Korean War and returned home a combat-wounded veteran. At age 17, Lonnie was awarded his first Purple Heart. A few short months later he turned 18 and was awarded his second Purple Heart. At the age of 79, he gave his life to his country after a long battle with (service connected) myelodysplasia. Lonnie was a lifetime member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and VFW Post No. 9785.

Surviving are his three daughters, Tomirae (Williams) Castillo and her husband Edward of Glendale, Ariz., Annjeanette Lonee Williams of Georgetown, Texas, and Rochelle Reanne (Williams) Boldt and Michael Gene Chaffin of Chugiak; son, Lonnie Charles Williams and his wife Jeanette Yvonne (Degan) of Georgetown, Texas; grandchildren, Virginia Raquel Castillo, Stephanie Angel Castillo and Marshall Francisco Castillo of Glendale, Ariz., George Charles Fillmore of Georgetown, Texas, Scott Kennett Johnston of Georgetown, Texas, and Andrew David Elliott of Watertown, Wisc.; one great-granddaughter, Alexis Dorothy Elliott of Watertown, Wisc.; brother, Carl Chester Williams of Wichita, Kan.; friend and personal care attendant, Kristie Vice of Willow, who was with him when he passed.

Preceding him in death were his parents, John Dalton Williams and Gladys Pauline (Swink); brother, John Edward; sister, Lilli Mae (Williams) Everett; and three infant grandsons, John David Johnston, Shawn Douglas Johnston and Kenneth Ray Johnston.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to: Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 49, Annandale, VA 22003, or donate online at mophsf.org/donate. People are advised to call (703) 256-6139 ext. 109 to ensure the correct name of the honoree is attached to the gift.

Arrangements were by Valley Funeral Home and Crematory. An obituary and guestbook are online at alaskanfuneral.com.