SSG (E-6) Lee Andrew Williams, Sr., 67, U.S. Army Retired, of Palatka (McAllen, TX), entered the sunset of life on Sunday, October 28, 2012 at Mission Regional Medical Center, following a sudden illness. A native of Palatka, he was born on Wednesday, December 27, 1944 to Wilford Williams and Margie Williams. Lee attended Howard High School in Wilmington, DE where he was a track & field and football star athlete listed in the school's Hall of Fame. He graduated in the class of 1963 at Central Academy High School, Palatka. Lee was united in holy matrimony to Clarissa Gilyard on July 18, 1963 and enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving honorably for 20 years and was awarded numerous decorations, medals, and citations. He was a member of New Bethel A.M.E. Church, San Mateo and also attended the Bethel Life Church, McAllen, TX. He was formerly employed at Azalea Meats, G-P (formerly Hudson Pulp & Paper), V.A.W., St. Augustine, and as a driver at A-Touch Adult Day Care, McAllen, TX. Lee enjoyed fishing and working crossword puzzles. He was an awesome player on Word with Friends computer games and an avid Florida Gators football fan. Lee was preceded in eternal rest by his mother, Margie Jenkins; daughter, Rogina Williams; mother-in-law, Melvise Gilyard; uncle, Wilbert Williams. Those who treasure his loving memories: devoted wife of 49 years, Clarissa Gilyard Williams, San Mateo; loving daughter, Leauntray (Marc) Dedrick, McAllen, TX; compassionate sons, Lee Andrew Williams, Jr.; Tyrone (Shanea) Williams; caring father, Wilford Lee Andrew Williams, all of Palatka; devoted sisters, Ella Louise Williams, Palatka; Sherry Wilkinson, Kentucky; 14 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; father-in-law and devoted friend, Clarence Gilyard, Sr., San Mateo; a host of other relatives and caring friends. Visitation of family and friends will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday, November 8th at the "Chapel of Serenity." The Homegoing Celebration will be 10 a.m. Friday, November 9th, at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, Rev. Karl N. Flagg, pastor. Rev. Mary A. Murphy, pastor of New Bethel A.M.E. Church, San Mateo, presiding and Pastor Nicholas Maddox, of Bethel Life Church, McAllen, TX, is the eulogist. Interment with full military honors will be 1 p.m. Friday at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville. The cortege will assemble at 9:15 a.m. Friday at the Williams' family Roddy Road residence. Celebration of Life will be Friday, November 9 @ 10 a.m. @ Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church - 4909 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, FL.