Roger Allen Williams

Roger was born in Detroit Michigan, at home, October 30th, 1941. Born to Russell and Virginia(Tucker) Williams, the fifth of ten children. He was a quiet man who rarely sat still. In 1952 the family moved from Detroit to Reford Township where they put down roots.

As a child he loved playing and watching sports, school, nature, family and cars.

He had a deep love for his mother, and greatly admired her. He spent time working along side his father, which gave him the fundamental training for his future career. Being a man of reserved emotions, in the last few years of his life he expressed deep love for his parents, and even got choked up when he talked about them and positive impact they had on his life.

In 1959 he graduated from high school, the first of the Williams kids to do so. Then he joined the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Dover Delaware, where he met Elizabeth Pancoast. A blind date in a black 1950’s Chevy which later evolved into 57 year marriage. After a long distance courtship, Roger, proposed during a phone call from Goose Bay Newfoundland/Labrador, soon followed by an engagement ring that he sent in the email.

They were married in 1964 and lived in Brightmoor, MI, then moved to a nice bungalow in Redford, where they raised their family of four children: Christopher, David, Edward. and Teresa, all just one year apart. As his family grew, Christopher married Carol who became parents to Benjamin. David married Marianne who became parents to Joshua, Gabrielle, Lucas and Bernadette. Edward married Deb who became parents to Emily and Lauren. Teresa Married Scott.

His first job after his service was at Sterling Corporation where he was a fabricator. Then eventually, through his reputation as a hard worker and talented fabricator he landed a job at Eaton Corporation where he spent 35 years.

In the 1970’s, he collaborated on many projects, turning those concepts into reality. One of his favorite projects happened in December of 1972. He was on the crew that participated on the first real world test, involving a live occupant(stunt man Hal Needham and his girlfriend), of the air bag system. His involvement in many other projects helped increased efficient and safety of countless vehicles. He retired in 2004.

Through out his life he was an athlete and a sports fan. He was on a bowling league at Redford Lanes. He played on numerous softball teams, too many to list. He even found time for drop in hockey. He loved the Red Wings, from the original 6 teams of the NHL on. He loved the Detroit Tigers, and liked telling the story about the time took the bus to Briggs Stadium(later renamed Tiger Stadium),as a kid, to watch a game.

During his retirement he had many hobbies, most that involved tinkering. Mother said “he could fix anything.” He loved computers, photography, remote control cars, raspberry pie(modern computer), and so much more. He enjoyed camping and fishing, (though he never caught many fish). Traveling with family and exploring nature we’re the things that made him happy. He loved seeing the lives his children and grandchildren unfold, taking it all in quietly with a smirk.

Roger loved his wife Elizabeth, Liz, doing all that he could to care for her, encouraging her interests and passions. There was always a kiss before he left and a kiss when he got home. He had an appreciation for all that she did to make their house a home. He cared for her when she had cancer. She referred to him as her anchor. She, also reserved in her words, loved him very much and cared for him ‘til the end.

He and his wife worshiped at St. James Presbyterian Church in Redford. Working the gift shop on Saturdays to support the church, helping with balancing the books, decorating, reading scriptures to the Congregation. Thursdays were reserved for mapping out a day of “treasure hunting” from the “usual resources.” In 2004 he and his wife moved to Brighton and became close with many neighbors and enjoyed a peaceful life.

His Farewell… Roger’s family and friends will gather Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 10:00-2:00pm with a memory service at 2:00pm at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Hamburg Chapel. His Community Farewell will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 2:00pm (1:00pm gathering) at Saint James Presbyterian Church, 25350 W. 6 Mile Road, Redford, Michigan. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. James Presbyterian Church or The Salvation Army. Please leave a message of comfort for Roger’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign his guestbook at www.borekjennings.com

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