William Nathaniel Williams

William "Bill" Nathaniel Williams, 64, of Albany, GA died Monday, August 6, 2012 at Willson Hospice House. Funeral services will be held Friday at 1:00 PM at Mathews Funeral Home. Rev. Bobby Moye will officiate. Interment will follow in Cool Springs Baptist Church Cemetery, Sales City, GA. Serving as Pall Bearers, Derik Bryant, Hubert Davis, Mike Green, Bob Pindar, Chuck Ulm and Sebron Williams. Serving as Honorary Pall Bearers, Bob Barrett, Ben Neal, Ryan Odom, Bob Parker, Ben Roberts and Rick Williams.

Bill was born in Moultrie, GA on October 6, 1947, and shortly thereafter his family moved to Albany, GA. He was a proud member of the first graduating class of Dougherty High School in1965. He graduated from Albany Vocational-Technical School where he studied electronic technology. He received his FCC license and began his 44 year career with WALB-TV. He married his devoted wife, Shirley, in 1971. Bill left WALB briefly to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Camp Zama, Japan as part of the Army's intelligence division. Upon his discharge from the Army, Bill returned to WALB-TV where he remained a dedicated employee until his death, having recently been promoted to Director of Engineering.

Bill was a loving and devoted husband and father and adored his granddaughter, Sierra. He had a passion for photography and was an accomplished, self-taught photographer. Over the years he was a member of several photography clubs establishing lifelong friendships with others who shared his photographic interests.

In addition to photography, Bill enjoyed old cars, cooking, listening to The Beatles, and spoiling Sam, his much loved cat.

Bill had a second family - the people he worked with over the years at WALB. His love for his work went far beyond the job; it went to the people as well. He loved WALB and everyone there.

It is with heavy hearts that friends and family stand up to whisper their last goodbyes.

Survivors include wife: Shirley Bradley Williams of Albany, GA, his children: Wendy Williams Courtney of Bonaire, GA, Melissa Williams Albritton (T.L.) of Parrott, GA and Christopher Williams of Albany, GA, a granddaughter: Sierra Albritton of Parrott, GA, a brother: David Williams (Linda) of Columbus, GA and a sister: Kathryn Williams of Baconton, GA. Mr. Williams is preceded in death by his parents: Walter B. Williams and Alma Blackburn Williams Barry, grandparents: Nathan and Jewel Norton Blackburn and Joseph and Dollie Scarbrough Williams.

Anyone wishing to make a charitable donation in lieu of flowers is asked to consider a donation to Willson Hospice House, Albany, GA.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Mathews Funeral Home.