WILMINGTON — Ray Vance Williams Jr., 68, passed peacefully Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017, at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice LifeCare Center in Wilmington after a courageous four-year journey with cancer. To his great pleasure and the gratitude of others, the cancer diagnosis brought him closer to friends and family members who will forever cherish the hours of laughter and memories with him.
The son of Ray Vance and Ruth Griffin Williams, Vance was born April 12, 1949, attended New Hanover County Public Schools and graduated from Guilford College. His early career as a social worker with the New Hanover County Department of Social Services encouraged him to further his education at UNC-Chapel Hill, where he earned his Master’s Degree in Social Work.
He was employed as a counselor with various not-for-profit agencies including Wilmington Health Access for Teens (WHAT) and New Hanover Regional Medical Center. He propelled many youth on the right track and his guidance to all clients left them with a feeling of empowerment and purpose.
His infectious laugh and quick wit will always be remembered by his family, friends and clients.
Vance exhibited a talent for art throughout his life. He never stopped growing as an artist and as a human being.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah (Deb); children, Ray Vance Williams III (Leah); daughter, Julia Williams Landen (William); grandsons, Ray Vance “Van” Williams, William Cobb “Wade” Landen; a granddaughter due in February; sisters, Charlotte Grace (Pat) and Sarah Harris (Jim); and numerous nieces and nephews. His Guilford College classmates have remained a tight circle of friends for more than 40 years. The Guilford Crew and his Wilmington friends and colleagues provided Vance love, strength and support throughout his life. He was a good man with a kind heart and beautiful soul.
At Vance’s request there will not be a memorial service. A celebration of his life was held at the Hanover Seaside Club this past spring. He gleefully enjoyed the gathering of his family and friends and laughed the loudest and hardest at the collection of photographs and memories shared at the event. He viewed this “birthday party” as a meaningful way to celebrate his life with the people he loved.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Peter Voorhees, Dr. William McNulty, Dr. William Jones, their nurses and staff for their encouragement and compassion during his years of treatment. The family is also grateful to the staff of Lower Cape Fear Hospice for their role in providing Vance comfort, support and enhanced quality of life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCare Center, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401; The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehab Center, P.O. Box 2095, Surf City, NC 28445; or the charity of one’s choice.
Share online condolences with the family at andrewsmortuary.com.
