Phillip Russell Williams

Phillip Russell Williams, 86, went home to be with his Savior on Thursday, August 29, 2024.

Born March 22, 1938, a native of Fayetteville, NC, Phil was the son of Russell Jefferson Williams and Irene Wood Williams. He was a graduate of North Carolina State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Science Engineering. After university, Phil was drafted into the Army National Guard where he served for six months in active duty and six years in reserve duty. After his years in the Army Reserve, Phil worked for the State of North Carolina Agriculture Department, and eventually as an engineer at A.E. Finley and Associates in Raleigh and Charlotte, NC where he designed and built asphalt and crushing plants. He also earned his general contractor license and started his own construction company, building and remodeling homes and businesses in Hendersonville, NC.

During retirement, Phil and the “catch of his life,” his beloved wife, Terra Gaye, moved to Southport, NC where he enjoyed surf fishing and was a founding member of Community Church of Brunswick. His hobbies included watching old western movies, gardening, and working puzzles. In his last years, Phil lived in Brentwood, TN with his son and daughter-in-law and became a beloved friend to many.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Terra Gaye McDonald Williams, and his parents, Russell and Irene Williams. Surviving are his daughter, Karen Williams McWatters (Jeffery Marion McWatters); a son, Russell Wade Williams (Stephanie Waldrop Williams); and three grandchildren, Stephanie Amber McWatters, Justin Wade McWatters (Elena McWatters), and Taylor Marion McWatters (Seth Jackson).

Services will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024, in the sanctuary of Woodmont Baptist Church (please enter through the north entrance). Visitation will take place at 1:00pm, and the memorial service will begin at 2:00pm. Should friends desire, memorial gifts may be made in Phil’s honor to Woodmont Baptist Church (memo line: Senior Adult Ministry), and flowers may be sent directly to the church (2100 Woodmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37215).