Raymond Lester Williams

Raymond Lester Williams, 91, of Kingsport went to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at Asbury Place of Kingsport. Raymond was born on November 10, 1926 in Lenoir City, TN to the late Lester Williams and Ruby Axley Williams. He graduated from Lenoir City High School in 1944. He served his country during WWII in the United States Army. He was stationed in Switzerland and Germany. After his time in the service, he attended Chicago Academy of Fine Art receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Commercial Art. He began his career in 1950 for Tennessee Eastman Company as a Commercial Artist for over 20 years. He then entered the fine arts field in which he combined his commercial discipline and know-how with the freedom and beauty of water-color. Raymond acclaimed wide recognition and received many awards for his masterful water-color paintings. His inspirations for paintings in this region of historical sites included Church Circle, Train Station, Roan Mountain, and the surrounding beautiful scenery of Southern Appalachia. He was the owner of Gallery 81 and was listed in Who’s Who of American Art. His paintings can be found in homes, businesses, and institutions throughout the United States and even in foreign countries. A great artist but even more a husband, father, grandfather, and friend will be truly missed. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by a son, Jerome L. Williams; and brother, Clarence Williams of Lenoir City. Raymond is survived by his wife of 68 years Betty Williams; son, Scott Williams and wife Malinda; daughter, Penny Williams Hayes; granddaughter, Macy Hayes; and son in-law, Marty Hayes. The family will receive friends from 12 pm to 2 pm on Sunday, May 27, 2018 at Carter Trent Funeral Home, Downtown Kingsport. A funeral service will follow with Southview Community Pastor Billy J. Willis officiating. A graveside service will be held at 12 pm Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at Oak Hill Memorial Park with Pastor Billy J. Willis officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Raymond’s memory to Southview Community Church of the Nazarene, 1235 Moreland Dr., Kingsport, TN 37664, Hope Haven, PO Box 7152 Kingsport, TN 37660, or a charity of your choosing. The family would like to say a special thank you to the staff at Asbury Place of Kingsport, the staff of the Villages at Allendale, and to Dr. Richard Reed for the wonderful care shown to Raymond. Carter Trent Funeral Home, Downtown Kingsport is serving the Williams Family.