Russell Williams

Reverend Russell T. Williams age 82, of Erie, died Wednesday, July 2, 2014 after a brief illness.

He was born in Pittsburgh, Pa. on November 17, 1931 a son of the late Alonzo P. and Ruth Thayer Williams.

He graduated from Wilkinsburg High School and in 1953 from the University of Pittsburgh.

Following a tour of duty with the U.S. Army in Korea, he attended the Philadelphia Divinity School graduating in 1958. Russell was ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church and served as a U.S. Army chaplain from 1959 till 1961. He also served as vicar of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Lawrence Park from 1961 till 1976 and as chaplain at St. Vincent Health Center in Erie from 1976 until his retirement in 1997.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Betsy who died in 2010.

He is survived by a son Russell T. Williams Jr. (Julie) of Pittsburgh, PA, and a daughter Suzanne E. Williams of Erie, Pa. with whom he made his home.

Friends may call at the Burton Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 602 West Tenth Street, Erie, Pa. 16502 on Sunday from 2:00 till 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 pm and are invited to a service there Monday at 10 am with the Reverend Kathleen Ziegenhine officiating. Burial in Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery.

Please make memorials to Emmaus Ministries, 345 East 9th Street, Erie, Pa., 16503-1107.