Leon (Ashlord) Ashable Williams, 88, of Suffolk, transitioned peacefully from this life after a brief illness on Tuesday, March 11, 2014, at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, N.Y. Born to the union of Octavia and Julius Williams on Sept. 30, 1925, in Portsmouth, he graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Suffolk, where he played football. He later attended North Carolina A&T University in North Carolina and Norfolk State University.

A World War II veteran, Leon served his country with dignity and pride in two branches of the service: the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army. He was awarded the Bronze Clasp Good Conduct Medal with three loops and the National Defense Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster.

A devout Christian, Leon belonged to First Baptist Church, Mahan Street, where he was a member of the Brotherhood and served on the Male Usher and Trustee Boards. He was a member of the Past Exalted Ruler of the Suffolk Elks Lodge No. 206 and the Disabled American Veterans Suffolk Chapter 5.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Helen Mobley Williams; his son, Jonathan Williams; his brothers, James and William; and his sister, Mildred. He is survived by his son, Tchet Ab Utcha Ra El (Patricia); daughters, Dora Elizabeth Reid and Pamelyn Anita Williams; sisters, Janie Smith and Dorothy Everett; sister-in-law, Julia Elizabeth Davis; grandchildren Ryan and O’Shea Liles; step-grandsons, Cameron (SaSutcha En Aungkh), Graham (Shepsutera) and Kamau (Herisen Met Neter); great-grandchildren, Senuahnu and Nurashau Metcher; and a host of loving nieces, nephews and friends.

The family invites friends to visit with them at Harris Funeral Home, Suffolk, on Friday, March 21, 2014, from 5 to 8 p.m. A celebration of Leon’s life will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2014, with viewing beginning at 10 a.m., followed by the home going celebration at 11 a.m. Interment follows the service at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, 6309 E. Virginia Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23502, where Leon will have a military burial and obtain his resting place beside his wife and son. Join in fellowship for the repast at First Baptist Church with the family immediately after the burial service. You may send condolences to the family at www.vharrisfuneralhome.com.