Lewis Willard Williams

Lewis Willard Williams, age 85, of Marion, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026. Born on November 28, 1940, in Marion, Ohio, Lewis was the beloved son of Irey Williams and Susan Nusser, both of whom preceded him in death.

Lewis was raised in Marion and attended Warren G. Harding High School, where he became well known for his athletic ability and dedication to football. Wearing his famous #68 jersey, Lewis proudly helped lead the Harding football team to the Ohio High School Division I State Championship in 1958 — a memory he carried with great pride throughout his life.

Following high school, Lewis married the love of his life, Pamela Jo Burke, and together they built a beautiful family filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. In December of 1959, Lewis honorably enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving his country as a veteran.

Lewis dedicated more than 40 years of his life to the manufacturing industry, spending his final working years employed at Sypris Industries before retiring in 2003. Though he worked hard throughout his life, his greatest passions were found beyond the workplace and in the people and activities he loved most.

A true sports enthusiast, Lewis was a devoted fan of the Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati Bengals. Baseball, however, held a special place in his heart. Coaching young athletes became one of his greatest joys, and over the years he devoted countless hours mentoring and encouraging youth through Little League Baseball, Pony League, Legion League, and Colt League programs. His impact on the young players he coached extended far beyond the baseball field.

Lewis also found happiness in the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing, tending to his garden, and watching birds from the comfort of home. He especially loved war movies — particularly those centered around World War II — as well as classic westerns. His family fondly remembers him as a man with a bright spirit who was almost always in a good mood. While he appreciated moments of peace and solitude, nothing brought Lewis greater joy than spending time with his family.

Above all else, Lewis was a proud grandfather, family patriarch, and devoted family man. The moments he treasured most were those spent surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and loved ones, especially his adored grandchildren who brought immeasurable happiness to his life.

In addition to his parents, Lewis was preceded in death by his brothers, Irey Edward Williams Jr. and Jerry (Marlene) Williams; sisters, Mary (Carroll) Meyers, Eleanore Susan Williams, Caroline (Ralph) Rapp, and Diane Sinden.

Left to cherish his memory are his son, Scott Allen Williams; daughter, Julie (James) Woodson; sister, Martha (Ronnie) Warrick; brother-in-law, Ralph Rapp; grandchildren, David (Amanda) Williams, Rachel (Kyle Pettay) Williams, and Alyssa (Dustin Murphy) Pegg; great-grandchild, Lily McKean; along with many other loving family members and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made to the VFW of Marion in Lewis’s honor.

The Boyd Funeral Home appreciates the Williams family’s trust in the care of their loved one during this difficult time and is honored to serve them.

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