Mr. Hershel M. Williams, 80

In Loving Memory of Hershel "Bill" McCray Williams Hershel "Bill" McCray Williams, 80 of Autryville, died Tuesday, February 17, 2009 in Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. He was born March 28, 1928 in Autryville, and was the son of the late Nathan Thomas and Mittie Autry Williams. Hershel graduated from Clement School and attended Campbell College. He was a lifetime member of Baptist Chapel Church. Hershel served as a former board member for the following: Clement School, Sampson County Farm Bureau, NC Sweet Potato Commission, NC Crop Improvement Association, NC Foundation Seed Producers, Sampson Regional Medical Center, and BB&T Bank. Hershel, a retired farmer, enjoyed growing sweet potatoes and tobacco. He worked closely with NC State University for many years in producing quality sweet potatoes for the market and his neighbors. Hershel loved to travel and learn about the different ways other people lived and farmed. His favorite place away from home was the mountains of Fancy Gap, Virginia, where he attended Skyview Baptist Church on many occasions. Hershel was blessed with a large family and is survived by his beloved wife of sixty years, Agnes Spell Williams (daughter of the late Mossette and Hosie Spell); Five children: Cynthia Williams Autry of Georgia, Dwight Williams (wife Linda), Terrell Williams (wife Karen), Johnny Williams (wife Sherry), and Susan Williams Fail (husband Reed) all of Autryville; Eleven grandsons: Robbie Autry, Clint Williams (wife Carol), Terry Williams (wife Heather), Mitch Williams, Dennis Williams, Jonathan Williams (wife Tracy), Christopher Williams, Brandon Williams, Thomas McPhail, William McPhail, and Samuel McPhail; Five great grandchildren: Leah and Davis (Clint's children); Sydney, Rylie, and Tanner (Terry's children); Two brothers: N.T. Williams (wife Sadie) and Sherrill Williams (wife Shirley); One sister: Bevie Williams Starling (husband Tommy); and numerous "special" nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Hershel is preceded in death by his father and mother, Nathan Thomas and Mittie Autry Williams; his half-brother, Thomas H. Williams and wife Shirley; and his half-sister, Allene Williams Strickland and husband Joel. Hershel will truly be missed by all, but he is at peace with his Heavenly Father. Visitation will be held at Baptist Chapel Church, 2256 Baptist Chapel Road, Autryville, on Thursday evening, February 19, 2009 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be conducted at Baptist Chapel Baptist Church on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Baptist Chapel Baptist Church, 2208 Baptist Church Road, Autryville, N.C. 28318. Services entrusted to Butler Funeral Home, 401 W. Roseboro Street, in Roseboro.