Memorial for Bruce S. Williams
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Born in Dayton, Ohio on Aug. 4, 1918
Departed on Feb. 10, 2010 and resided in North Canton, OH.
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Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010
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Please click on the links above for locations, times, maps, and directions.
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BRUCE S. WILLIAMS
Bruce Stannard Williams, 91, of North Canton passed away on February 10 at Aultman Hospital. Bruce was born on August 4, 1918 in Dayton, OH, and was a long time Connecticut resident before moving to Ohio in 1976.
Bruce graduated in 1937 from Hotchkiss School in Lakeville CT, where he was captain of the swimming team and formed many friendships that endured for the remainder of his life. He matriculated to Yale University in Sept. 1937 and promptly enrolled in Naval ROTC. Upon graduation, Bruce was ordered to the light cruiser USS Raleigh. Reporting for duty, he was informed that the ship had left one day earlier for Pearl Harbor, where it was torpedoed and bombed on December 7, 1941. After numerous assignments, in 1943 he was ordered, as an Ensign, to the USS Fayette, a combat loaded attack transport. During the next two years the Fayette participated in such critical operations as Saipan, Guam, Guadalcanal, Peleliu, Leyte Gulf and Iwo Jima. He was also witness to the aftermath of Nagasaki. His promotion to Lieutenant Commander in 1944 made him the youngest ever to achieve that rank. Bruce received his Honorary Discharge from the Navy in 1954.
Following the war, he pursued higher education at multiple institutions, including New York University and Babson College.
Bruce was a "born salesman" and served in sales and management roles with multiple manufacturers of industrial products, until founding Bruce Williams Associates in 1962. His company developed and conducted original sales training seminars throughout the U.S. and he was a frequent contributor to national publications serving the industrial distribution market. In 1976, he relocated to Ohio to join the M. K. Morse Company as Vice President of Sales. Between 1976 and his retirement in 1995, at the age of 77, the company grew to be a leading manufacturer of industrial saw blades, with annual revenues increasing over those years more than 30 times.
Bruce's primary love was antique cars; with a unique passion for Marmon cars: His father, G. M. Williams, was president of the Marmon Motor Car Company during the 1920's. Bruce formed many special relationships with his fellow club members and owned three Marmons, one of which he drove in 1989 across the U.S. in the prestigious "Great American Race". He was also active in the Canton Antique Car Club.
Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Cynthia (Cynnie), a sister, Shirley of Jacksonville, Florida; three sons: Bruce, Jr. of Veazie, Maine, Cliff (Sally) of Massillon, and Dalzell (Karen) of Hampton, New Hampshire; three step-children: Brian (Kathy) Harrold of Massillon, Dede (Hesham) Hassan of Canton, and Shawn (John) Karasarides of Powell, Ohio; three grandchildren: Monica, Bailey and Patrick; three step-grandchildren: Jacob Harrold, Annie and Aris Karasarides; and two step-great grandchildren: Audra and Mia Harrold. He also leaves many loving and attentive nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of friends, all of whom communicated and visited often and who will miss him greatly.
Bruce is preceded in death by his parents, George M. and Gwendolen, and two brothers, Monty and John.
A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, February 20 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 515 48th St. NW at 12 Noon. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. The family wishes to thank Aultman Hospice for their loving care. Memorial Donations be made to Aultman Hospice c/o Aultman Hospital or http://www.aultmanfoundation.org/donating/waystogive/donationform.aspx. Condolences and special memories may be shared online at www.heritagecremation.com
Heritage Cremation Society
800-864-2295
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