Wayne Williams

Though I didn't get to see Uncle Wayne and Aunt Chris much once my family moved overseas, I have beautiful memories of them. My overwhelming memory of Uncle Wayne is laughter and joy. I loved getting to see him, infrequent though it was. He was one of those rare people that, when they see you, make you feel as though you were just the person they were hoping to see that day. His smiles and laughter lit up every room and, even as a young child, I just wanted to be near him. He made me feel seen and loved and accepted. Uncle Wayne radiated joy, and, importantly to a child who loved to make others laugh, allowed me to provide him joy and laughter. Of course, as that young child, I believed he thought I was especially delightful (which he did), but, more importantly, as an adult, I realize that he saw everyone in his life as they truly were - a beautiful person created in the image of the Lord he loved. Uncle Wayne was a reflection of his Jesus. Quite simply, he loved. And he loved well. I hope they have Rummikub in heaven so that he and my Nana can go to head-to-head. I love you, Aunt Chris.

Uncle Wayne and aunt Chris would fly up to Lake Murray and we would have lunch. I looked forward to those visits. He was the most kind and loving man. The one thing I remember about him was his smile and his caring nature. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

It was always such an honor to have Wayne Williams as my friend. Our mutual things to discuss were always pleasant. His knowledge of so many things was so good. I could always count on his help if needed. I will never forget his friendship to me and our family. Love to all the family of Wayne and Chris. God bless all.

I used to watch Wayne with Chris and I knew I wanted a husband like that. He was a gentleman. Very giving. And always had a smile for me. I lost contact with everyone when I left Rosen Heights, but I think of them often. I am very sorry for your lost.

Growing up at Rosen Heights Baptist Church, Wayne was a pivotal part of my up bringing. Commited and Faithful to His Lord and Savior, emulating Christ in his daily walk, Wayne was always a pleasure to be around! Farewell good and faithful servant and thank you for the example you set!

I had the honor of working as a bus girl and later hostess at Williams Ranch House. Wayne was short handed on bus boys and I really wanted to save money for my first car so he took a chance on me. I'm not sure if he really believed I could handle the heavy buckets full of dirty dishes and get the tables cleaned and set quickly for the many loyal customers waiting. However it wasn't long before I gained his trust. This was put to the test one night when the other bus boys were a no-show. As our tables filled and the line of waitresses down the bar folding napkins started to break away one by one to serve our guest, I started to doubt I could handle the entire floor all on my own. When Wayne walked by I looked to him for comfort or reassurance and he ignored me or didn't notice me nor my concerns. I didn't realize at the time what he was doing but as the night went on I never had a chance to voice my concerns and doubts nor did I have a chance to even have them. I figured this out when Wayne was looking up over his reading glasses with a prideful expression as I handled the entire floor. Its almost like he said " I knew you could do it kiddo" I was 14 then and 34 now, the pride one has In doing a good job was something I learned right there at Williams ranch house and something I will always be grateful to have learned. After a few weeks of Wayne not hiring any other bus boys and me adhering to these new expectations, I started to get my own higher expectations and decided Wayne was saving money only having a sole bus girl to pay and I was doing alot more work. so maybe the time had come to ask for my 1st raise. I dont know how he knew I was mustering up the courage to ask, but he knew and I think was enjoying watching me squirm. My hands where shaking, I knew I deserved the rasie but boy was I nervous to ask. He noticed and I think I saw a bit of a smile behind his "fake" serous face he was putting on for me, As I tried to give the speech I had been reciding, while I cleaned tables . Yet nothing came out how I had practiced nor did he give me any indication on weather he was going to give me my raise. I was a bit disappointed he didn't immediately agree or disagree he just said to finish up my work and informed me the industrial metal vacuums where up and running again as he had them repaired. He knew I didn't care for them much as the lighter plastic tempary one I think he had brought from home. Next day I came in fingers crossed wondering how much of a raise I would get...he waited until I was pushing those heavy vacuums around at the end of the night before he gave me the news... I think I was pouting a bit as I pushed the vacuums around the tables near where he was doing his paper work. He called me over asked how the vacuums where working, just like new take a toe right off again...he informed me I would be getting a 50 cent raise and we could revisit the subject in 6 months. Nadine a waitress standing in ear shoot about fell over. she gave me a wink of encouragement. I told Wayne thank you with a smile from ear to ear and told him I couldn't wait to revisit it in 6 months and i did get another raise sooner then 6 months when I became the hostess of 25 cents. My favorite boss and the way the family described him is exactly how I recall him. Wayne was a blessing and a wonderful person.

I never worked for a finer man. I have not seen him in years and am saddened to hear of his passing. My deepest condolences to Kris, Dewayne, and the rest of his family. He was a wonderful man that led a wonderful life that touched so many folks. Hugs ad prayers to you all.

One of the nicest people I’ve ever known ... Dennis and I saw Wayne’s Christ-like servanthood during our years at Rosen Heights. During our frequent trips to the restaurant, we were always greeted with a firm handshake, a hug, and his big smile. To the family, Dennis and I send our love.

I first knew Wayne from his restaurant many years ago but we became good friends thru our meeting at Macdonald on Saturday morning with several other friends. He was such a good man and a pleasure to be around. I had the opportunity to visit. His ranch that he loved so much and we worked on several projects including deer feeders, 1955 military Jeep and his airplane. He was a lot of fun to be with and I will miss him greatly. I pray that God will comfort Chris and her family in the loss of Wayne and continue to provide them with all the great memories we all have of Wayne. Thank you Wayne and Chris for allowing me to Have the opportunity to have you as friends and sharing good times together. We will miss Wayne but he is now in a better place and we all look forward to seeing him again when we make that journey.

Uncle Wayne....he was actually my Daddy’s uncle but he and Aunt Chris always felt close immediate family. Being in Uncle Wayne’s presence was to feel loved just because you were you. He was kind and gentle. Even as a child, I knew that he believed what I said and felt was significant. I remember so much laughter when with him and Aunt Chris. A memory that always bring a smile to my face is the Christmas many, many years ago when I was probably only 5 or 6. Aunt Christ gave him a nose and ear hair trimmer. The peals of laughter and the deep chuckles rang through the house. But what I remember the most is the look of, not just amusement, but deep love and endearment I saw in his eyes when he looked at Aunt Chris. Year after year, I never saw that look change.

Most of us knew him as “Papa”, some as Wayne, some as Daddy and then there are those who know him as K5AMM. However you knew him, he was the beating heart of a clan and a faithful friend to scores of others. I’ll be brief. I knew him for 46 years, longer even than my own father. He was ALWAYS kind to me. He showed me that in many ways over many years. He gave me his blessing when I asked him for his permission to marry his oldest daughter. He is grandfather to my children and great- grandfather to my grandchildren. So many deep and abiding connections to him. You’ll hear today of his finer qualities and probably a few that aren’t so fine. But, as I have thought quietly to myself these last few days and pondered life and death, legacy and love, I have come to observe what I think one epitaph for a man like him could be: “He left at the Top of his game” He was still very sharp and very active. He was so smart. He was always curious about the world. He was engaging and thoughtful in conversation. He made and scrimped and saved his wages. And his monetary legacy will live far past his time on this earth. The legacy that he would most likely speak of as most important to him was that of loyalty and faithfulness. He lived out to the uttermost, his very personal commitment to his God. And, similarly, he lived out to his end on earth, his commitment to his wife. All of these things were completely alive in him on Christmas Day when God ushered him into His presence! Amazing! I’m not sure of a finer life lived. I’ll miss you Papa, but the many connections to you are evermore so much alive and well everyday. I’ll be seeing you always in the many faces of your children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and your beautiful wife. Thanks for letting me be a part of your journey! I am forever grateful. Love, Jim

My first job was as a weekend hostess at Williams Ranch House. Wayne always had a smile and a joke for everyone. He was such a kind and generous person. My thoughts and prayers for all in this family at such a difficult time.

Dear Nancy and family, I always enjoyed seeing and talking with your Dad ...he was always interested in others and would take the time to do a quick check in! What a legacy he leaves behind and all the fabulous memories, too. Praying for your mom, and family. Love and prayers, Kimberly Reed

I always enjoyed visiting with Papa Wayne when he would drive Jimmy and me out in the country somewhere for us to start a bike ride. He'd always be an interesting conversationalist and was a naturally warm person that I'm thankful to know. My condolences to all of your family.

Wayne was a good man with a genuine faith... which he consistently displayed in both word and deed .He touched many lives...including my own ...in a most positive way . Though certainly he will be missed ...our loss is Heaven's gain.

We had the honor of being members of Wayne's Sunday school class. A man of unmeasured knowledge and a great teaching habit. Also had the honor of knowing him during the Steakhouse days. You will be truly missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace, Wayne.

We were friends for many years at church and always enjoyed seeing Wayne and visiting with him. These past few months we have kept in touch to discuss life in general. We will always remember our good times.

Wayne was so supportive to all he knew, if you called he was there ,He loved the Lord and he would tell you so , at our church one time Chris and Wayne came and he gave Calvin a coin that Calvin carries to this day ! He will be missed.