Jay A. Williams

Dr. Jay A. Williams, 89, of New Philadelphia, died Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at his home following a period of declining health.

A son of the late Jessie and Olive (Rheinhart) Williams, Jay was born January 21, 1925 at Columbus, Ohio.

Jay was a veteran of the United States Army and served as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne during World War II. During his service in the European Theatre, Jay made several jumps including on D-Day.

Following his honorable discharge from the Army, he attended The Ohio State University School of Optometry and graduated in 1954. Jay then opened his practice in Uhrichsville and would serve the area for 41 years.

He was an avid boater and sailor and in 2005, at the age of 80, Jay along with his wife, Carolyn, sailed around Florida and up the east coast into the Chesapeake Bay. Jay was also an extensive traveler having visited many locations around the world. He was an avid snow skier and enjoyed reading with an interest in history. Jay also enjoyed golfing and playing cards with his friends

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Carolyn (Kenton) Williams whom he married on December 24, 1954; his son and daughter-in-law, Kyle and Dawn Williams of New Philadelphia; his grandchildren, Kyle J. Williams of Dennison, Thomas (Stephanie) Williams of New Philadelphia, Jerad Williams of Dover, Mitchell (Brittney) McCue of Roswell and Lexie (Adam) Tulak of New Philadelphia; his great grandchildren, Alexandra, Caden and Parker Williams, Kaelyn McCue, Madisen Darrah, Ardynn Williams and Miley McCue and a special caregiver, Stephanie Perkins of Roswell.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Dr. Dale Williams.

In keeping with Jay’s wishes cremation will take place through the care of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 22, 2014 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia for a memorial gathering to celebrate Jay’s life.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Jay by visiting the funeral home website, www.GeibCares.com.

Contributions may be made in Jay’s memory to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.