James “Ray” R. Williams, 51, Cromwell, passed away at 1 p.m., Sunday, July 30, 2017, at his home surrounded by family in Cromwell.

He was born on Oct. 11, 1965, to Raybon and Loretta J. (Stroud) Williams in Columbia City. On July 29, 1996, Ray married Diana Pittman in Warsaw; she survives.

Ray had quite a lot of interests in his lifetime. He worked for 25 years as a welder for Smoker Craft. Attending and watching races of any kind and going to concerts is how he liked to spend his time away from work. He liked to collect traveling gnomes and spend time with his grandchildren. Camping at Atwood Lake was Ray’s happy place.  So many will miss the memories they have created with him.

Surviving are his parents, Raybon and Loretta Williams, loving wife of 21 years, Diana Williams, six children; Crystal Walker, Zack Williams, Trevor Williams, Erika Jones, Rick Jones, Joshua Dalmar, and 13 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held in Ray’s honor at 2 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 13 at Bethel Christian Baptist Church, 2838 E. HWY 6 Kendallville, IN, 46701.  Pastor Shawn Shepherd will officiate.

Family and friends will be received from 1p.m. to 7p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 2 at Bethel Christian Baptist Church.

Memorial contributions in Ray’s name may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital -262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105 as well as the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital – 2211 N. Oak Park Ave. Chicago, IL 60707.