Forrest Ray Williams

Forrest Ray Williams “Woodie”, 101 years old, of Ashland, passed away Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Brethren Care in Ashland.

Woodie was born June 10, 1924, in Waterford, Pa to Asa and Elma {Brown} Williams. Following his graduation from Mansfield Senior High School, he proudly served in the United States Army during WWII and the Air Force during the Korean War, he served a total of 23 years. He married Audrey Hicks on June 17, 1979.

Along with Audrey, Woodie owned Williams Jewelry in Mansfield for 20 years. He was a member of Paradise Hill Global Methodist Church and attended Hayesville Global Methodist Church. Woodie was also a member of Mansfield F&AM #35 and was a Life Member of VFW Post #3494 in Mansfield.

Woodie will be deeply missed by his children Lea Ann (Robert) Curry of Pahrump, NV, Don (Sandra) New of Fontana, CA, and Dale (Debra) Williams of Ashland, Sam (Ramona) Garzaniti of Medina, Mary (Mike) Luers of Galion; 12 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Woodie was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey (September 18, 2014), siblings Twyla Campbell, Asa Williams Jr., and Dolores Pitroff.

Friends may visit Friday Aug, 8, from 10 to 11am at Roberts Funeral Home-Ashland Chapel. Masonic and funeral services will follow at 11 am (and livestreamed at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com/obituaries/Forrest-Williams) with Rev. Layton Broome officiating. Burial will be at Ashland County Memorial Park, where military rites will be held. Online tributes may be made at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 1021 Dauch Dr., Ashland, OH 44805 or Brethren Care, 2140 Center St., Ashland, OH 44805.