Cornelius "Neil" Williams

Cornelius (Neil) Alonzo Williams Jr., 92, peacefully passed away on the morning of January 21, 2025, at The Auberge of Plano Memory Care in Plano, Texas. He was born on June 7, 1932, in New Haven, Connecticut, to the late Cornelius A. Williams Sr. and Eula Williams.

In 1952, Neil joined the United States Air Force, where he served his country and received the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, U.N. Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.

After his service, Neil married Patricia Dawson on October 7, 1957. Together, they were blessed with three children: Philip, Ronda, and Linda. They shared more than 50 years of marriage before her passing.

Throughout their life together, Cornelius and Patricia traveled widely, including cruises to the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Alaska, Egypt and Jerusalem. The family also enjoyed many trips to Northern Michigan, where they visited the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, experienced the Sioux Locks, and took part in Neil’s favorite tradition—an annual Labor Day Walk across the Mackinac Bridge. Even as he aged, Neil remained very active, known for challenging and racing his nephews, grandchildren, and anyone else willing to accept a challenge.

Cornelius accepted Christ and was baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He faithfully served as a Trustee at Rock of Ages Christian Ministries in Detroit, Michigan, and later retired from Ford Motor Company before relocating to Texas due to illness.

Neil was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle. He is survived by his daughters Ronda (Cleveland) Simpson and Linda Williams; grandchildren Philip Jr., Carl (Fran), Erica, William (Jessica), Tyson, and Trey; great-grandchildren Malachi, Eden, Austin, and Cameron; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Neil will be laid to rest with military honors at 1:15 p.m., Thursday, February 6, 2025, at The Dallas Ft. Worth National Cemetery, Dallas, Texas.

God saw the road was getting rough,

The hill was hard to climb,

He gently closed those loving eyes

And whispered, “Peace be thine”.

The weary hours, the days of pain,

The sleepless nights have passed,

The ever-patient worn-out frame

Has found sweet rest at last.