Kenneth Wayne Williams Sr. Obituary, Cause of Death: Coats, NC Navy Veteran Dies at 80

COATS, North Carolina — Kenneth Wayne “Keith” Williams Sr., a longtime Coats resident, retired carpenter and decorated U.S. Navy veteran, died peacefully on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was 80.

Born September 16, 1946, in Harnett County, Williams was the son of the late Everett Williams and Ruth Jernigan Williams. He devoted much of his working life to carpentry and later retired after a career in the trade. He was also remembered for his military service in the U.S. Navy, during which he received the Bronze Star with Valor and other military honors.

Beyond his professional and military achievements, Williams was deeply devoted to his family. He was married to Annie Scott Williams for 57 years and was a father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His obituary describes family as his greatest joy. He also enjoyed spending time with his animals and playing on his computer.

Williams was a member of Little Flock Primitive Baptist Church in Coats. He was preceded in death by his parents, several siblings and two grandchildren, Nancy Williams and Myles Stewart.

Cause of death: His family’s published obituary states that Williams died at his residence surrounded by family but does not identify a specific medical cause of death.

He is survived by his wife, Annie; children Loutricia Cain, Marie Bates, Kenneth Wayne Williams Jr., Jesse Williams, Christina Masouris and Kristy Cellitti; siblings Wilma Stone, Joan Mize and Ronald Williams; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held September 28, followed by funeral services September 29 at Rose & Graham Funeral Chapel. A graveside committal service will follow at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery.