Edward T. Williams

Edward T. Williams

On Sat., January 13, 2018, our dear Patriarch, Edward Williams, passed peacefully from this life at age 98, surrounded by his large loving family.  Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Tanos and Josephine Williams (Khalifeh), brothers, William Williams and Joseph Williams, and sisters, Marie Abou Ezzie and Josephine Seif.  Edward was born in Greenville, PA, on August 1, 1919.  At the age of two, he and his parents returned to their home country of Lebanon.  He was raised in Kherbet, Lebanon, and was educated in Beirut.  He attended the College of La Pagesse, where he excelled in his studies.  During World

War II, he served as a translator for the English army.  On June 18, 1950, he married May Chebli in Lebanon.  They were happily married for over 67 years.  Edward always dreamed about joining his brothers in his birth country.  In 1954, he came to Canton, Ohio.  He owned Bill’s Grill and Drive-Thru with his brother Bill. Having fully educated his children, he sold his business and retired in 1982.  For the last 36 years, Edward and May enjoyed traveling and spending time with their ever-growing family.  Edward is survived by his wife, May, children, Joan (Michael) Ezzie, of Columbus, OH, Joseph (Lydia) Williams, of Solon, OH, Dr. George (Claudia) Williams, of Canton, and Lillian (John) Rambacher, of North Canton; his 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren (with another on the way); special nephew, William (Denise) Williams, and their children; special nephew, Bahjat (Maro) Seif, and their children; many other loving nieces, nephews, and cousins (too many to name), and countless friends.  Edward genuinely loved all he knew and was loved by them.  Edward never measured wealth by affluence, but rather by family and friends.  He was especially proud of his grandchildren (who affectionately referred to him as “Jiddo”).  Edward was truly special and his life was a blessing.  His great love, kindness, generosity, strength of character, devout faith in God, and passion for life were his hallmark and his legacy.  He instilled all of his many virtues in us as his most valuable gift.  He had a tremendous talent for understanding people and a unique ability to make everyone feel special.  He was “so good”.  Edward’s heritage was very important to him.  He shared it as a founding member of the Canton Kirby Club and of the Stark County Lebanese-American Association.  We will miss him deeply, his presence remains in us all.  We are comforted with the confidence that Edward is enjoying eternity with our heavenly Father.  Edward’s family extends a special thank you to his caregivers at the Canton Regency Memory Care Unit, with Mercy Medical Center Hospice, and Brenda from Helping Hands.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to Edward’s favorite charities, St. Michael Catholic Church Building Fund, 3501 St. Michael Dr. NW, Canton, OH, or the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, 2759 North Lipkey Rd., North Jackson, OH 44451.  A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wed. at 11 a.m. in St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church with Msgr. Jay Clarke and Fr. Scott Kopp as Celebrants.  Interment will be in North Lawn Cemetery.  FRIENDS MAY CALL TUESDAY 4-7 P.M. AT ST. MICHAEL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH.  The Formet-Clevenger & Gordon Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Condolences may be sent to: www.gordonfuneralhomes.com

Gordon (330) 456-4766

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