Ray Lee Williams

Ray Lee Williams, 83, of 180 Aldrich Road, Chesnee, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 25, 2026.

Born on March 29, 1943, in Spartanburg County, he was a son of the late Homer Lee Williams and Naomi Lou Williams. He was a member of Buck Creek Baptist Church and Cherokee Springs Masonic Lodge #135.

Ray was a carpenter and builder by trade, beginning his lifelong career in construction at a very young age alongside his Uncle Carl. He later worked for Daniels Construction Company for many years before establishing his own business, Ray L. Williams Builder, which he proudly owned and operated for more than 30 years. He concluded his career as a Superintendent with Roebuck Buildings Company, where he worked for approximately eight years. Ray was well known for the quality of his work and took great pride in the homes and buildings he helped create. He had a remarkable ability to visualize and calculate even the most complex roof angles, a talent that reflected both his skill and his many years of experience. His craftsmanship and attention to detail earned him an excellent reputation throughout his career.  When he wasn’t building, Ray could often be found farming. Over the years, he grew everything from soybeans and wheat to watermelons and cantaloupes, developing a love for it that remained with him throughout his life. He especially loved tractors and everything that came along with working the land. Ray also enjoyed camping and fishing and treasured time spent with his family, especially trips to Lake Greenwood State Park. Whether he was building a home, working on a tractor, tending a crop, sitting beside the water with a fishing pole, or simply spending time with those he loved, Ray found happiness in the simple things and in a life of hard work and family.

Ray shared 63 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Virginia Cantrell Williams. Together, they built a life centered around family and were blessed with four children: Gary Lee Williams (Teresa), Gregory Ray Williams (Loretta), Eric Richard Williams (Tracy), and Jennifer Williams Gibson. In addition to his wife and children, Ray is survived by his grandchildren, Manda Williams Ala (Brad), Anna Williams Morris (Austin), Elizabeth Nicole Williams(Carson), Dawn Nicole Williams (Bob), Clayton Troy Gibson, Caitlyn Marie Leary (Zane), and Ryan Pete Gibson; his great-grandchildren, Emerson, Charlotte, and Maren Ala, Hudson Morris, and baby boy Leary on the way; his sister, Mary Ann Gilbert; and his brother, Eddie Williams (Annette). Along with his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his sister, Doris Williams Hutchins; his brother-in-law, Sam Hutchins; and his brother-in-law, Dr. Vance Gilbert, Jr.

Funeral services will be Monday, September 28th at 2:00 PM at Springhill Memorial Gardens at the graveside, conducted by his brother Eddie. Family will receive friends following the service.

Pallbearers will be grandsons Bradley Ala, Austin Morris, Carson McDowell, Bob Fleming, Clayton Gibson, Ryan Gibson, and Zane Leary.

Ray’s greatest legacy is the family he loved, the life he built through decades of hard work, and the countless memories he leaves behind. His craftsmanship can still be seen in the homes he built, but his most lasting mark will be found in the lives of the people who loved him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.