HOWARD E. WILLIAMS, 88, of Milton put up a strong fight in life and death, and passed away Wednesday, March 9, 2005, in The Arbors at Gallipolis Nursing Home, where the staff especially cared for him like their own, and where they cared for the rest of his family like we were one of their family. Funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 13, 2005, at Milton Baptist Church with Dr. Thomas J. DuBose officiating. Burial will follow in Milton Cemetery. He was born December 17, 1916, in Owensboro, Ky., a son of the late Rev. Walter W. and Ella E. Williams. He was also preceded in death by one son, David Howard Williams and eight brothers and sisters. Mr. Williams was a graduate of Milton High School and went to Marshall College, where he played football under Coach Cam Henderson. He was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, where he served in the exclusive Carlson's Marine Raiders, specializing in unconventional strategies and hand-to-hand combat, near and behind enemy lines. Because of his valiant service and injuries, he was awarded four Purple Hearts. He had been a member of the Disabled American Veterans Commanders Club; was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; the American Legion; and a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. During his life after war, he supported his family as a merchant and salesman. He was a member of Milton Baptist Church and had been a faithful member of Jackson Men's Sunday School Class. He was quite active in the town of Milton and had been a previous Citizen of the Month. Howard was a member of the Milton Senior Center, where he loved to play in the Milton Seniors "Fun Band". He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" Brinker Williams; one daughter and son-in-law, Mary K. and William Freytag of Asheville, N.C.; one son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Vicki Parsons Williams of Ona; two granddaughters, Ashlee Williams and Emilee Williams; and one brother, Rev. Arnold Williams of Bristol, Tenn. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 12, 2005, at Heck Funeral Home, Milton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Milton Baptist Church Building Fund or the West Virginia Alzheimer's Association, 1111 Lee St. E.; Charleston, WV 25301 1-800-491-2717.