Herman “Buddy” Williams Jr., age 79, of Suffolk, Va., was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 3, 2012, at the Veterans Medical Center in Hampton, Va., after a long and arduous battle with cancer.

He was born on January 30, 1933, in Courtland, Va., to Herman Williams Sr. and Della Lou Crocker Williams. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army after service during the Korean War. In July of 1957, he married Espert Mae Myrick, to whom he was married for more than 54 years and produced from this union his only son, Col. (retired) Herman “Tracy” Williams III.

In addition to his wife and son, he is survived by a daughter, Sharon Goodwyn-Pines (Matthew); his daughter in-law, Melba Alexa Martin Williams, Esq.; a grandson, Herman “Alex” Williams IV; a granddaughter, Traci Alexa Williams; his sisters Barbara Harris, of Courtland, Mary Porter, of Portsmouth, and Eunice Wilson, of Suffolk; his brothers, Wilbert Williams Sr., of Courtland, and Milton Williams Sr. (Goldie), of Suffolk; a godson, the Rev. Clarence “Clancy“ West Jr.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and oldest sister, Emma Lou.

He accepted Christ at the age of 12, was baptized and became a member of Bryant Missionary Baptist Church. After moving to Suffolk in 1959, he joined East End Baptist Church, where he served in various positions including Sunday School teacher, assistant Scoutmaster and deacon. He was recognized in 2006 as a deacon emeritus after completing 42 years of service.

He was a master builder, establishing and operating his own construction business until his retirement in 1994. He mentored many young men, training them in the skills of carpentry. An avid reader, he loved outdoor sports with his favorite pastime being fishing. He also enjoyed traveling, visiting his son’s family at duty locations from South Korea to Europe.

The funeral will be held at East End Baptist Church at 2 p.m. today. Interment will take place in Carver Cemetery.