In memoriam: Kenneth Wade Williams, technical writer, Enterprise Systems

Kenneth Wade Williams, technical writer for Enterprise Systems at Virginia Tech, died April 24, 2013.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Deborah Nelson Williams; his sons and their families; Adam, the eldest son, his wife Kelly, and their children, Abigail, Jakob, Makenzie, and Berkeley; Heath, his youngest son, and his wife Mary; his sister, Danise Christensen, her husband Johnny, their children, Jared, Jason, Shantel, and Nathan, and their spouses and wonderful children; his sister-in-law’s family, Suzanne, her husband Mike and children Kyle and Kelsey.

Williams was a member of the Virginia Tech community since 1999. He served most recently in Information Systems and as the “tunnel guy” for the Athletic Department during Virginia Tech home football games.

Williams was a 1975 graduate of Indian River High School in Chesapeake, Va. He loved the beach and was an avid surfer. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he was a priesthood holder. At age 19, Williams was called to serve in the Washington Seattle-Spokane mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Williams was an avid scouter, from his time in scouts until his passing. He was a member of the Order of the Arrow and served as an eagle counselor, committee chair and scoutmaster. He spent many, many nights in tents, many days hiking on the trail, and many weeks at scout camps across the country with his boys. Williams was thrilled to council, coach, cajole, and coax 20 young men to their Eagle award. He attended many national and regional jamborees, Sea Base, and loved to sneak out to Philmont to visit a son who worked there.

Williams was committed to his work at Virginia Tech. He hated to miss work and even though dialysis was challenging his life, refused to even consider disability. He loved the many opportunities that his various positions at Virginia Tech afforded him to interact with the university community and treasured the many friendships and connections built across the years.

Today, many members of the university community use HokieMart after being trained in the process by Williams.

A memorial service was held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints April 28.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boy Scouts of America.