Phillip Russell Williams

Phillip Russell Williams died at home on April 28, 2013. Phillip lived his 42 years of life to the very fullest. He loved his family deeply and gave every ounce of himself to those around him. Hunting, fishing, sitting by a simple campfire, and enjoying the outdoors were among his favorite things to do. He loved traveling and was a firm believer that there were too many great places to see in the United States to ever need to leave the country – he proved it by visiting 49 of the 50 states. Some of his greatest memories were family vacations, particularly Kauai and two weeks out West visiting National Parks. He took great satisfaction in his home, which he designed and put countless hours of work into, particularly the ‘Man Cave’. By far his greatest treasure was simply hanging out with his wife, Nonnie whom he cherished, and his kids, Sierra and Dawson whom he adored. He loved coaching kids’ sports and was sometimes the biggest kid on the team. Phillip was proud to have been employed with Standard Plumbing and Heating for 14 years as a Project Manager.

Phillip’s message to those around him was to have fun – enjoying living came easy. His positive attitude and focus on others was an inspiration to many as they watched him fight a brain tumor the last 34 months of his life. The family wishes to express warmest gratitude to the Cleveland Clinic; in particular Dr. Manmeet Ahlawalia, Cathy Brewer, and many others who touched them deeply and provided much more than mere medical care. The family was continually touched by the support and kindness from others at the Cleveland Clinic, Community Hospice, friends, and in the community – way too many to list.

Phillip was born and raised in the Zanesville, Ohio area. He graduated from Philo High School in 1988, and earned his Associates Degree at Muskingum Area Technical College. He and his family have lived in Dover, Ohio for 14 years. Phillip is survived by his wife of 21 years, Nonnie and his children, Sierra Ray 11 years old and Dawson Phillip 9 years old; his Mother Ginger Delaine Williams, brother Alan Dean Williams, sister Jodi Delaine Williams, brother-in-law James McWhorter III, and nephew Maximilian McWhorter; his father-in-law Sonny Quimby, mother-in-law Sharon Quimby, sister-in-law Marcie Wilson, brother-in-law Jason Wilson, and nieces Emily and Gracie Wilson. He also leaves his grandmother Ruth Kennel, and several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Phillip was preceded in death by his Father Harold Dean Williams, his brother whom he deeply loved Brent Ray Williams, his grandparents Edwin Kennel, Russell and Elsie Williams, numerous aunts and uncles and one special cousin.

A private family cremation will take place at Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Cremation. Memorial visitation will be held at Geib Funeral Center, 5600 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, Ohio, on Wednesday, May 1 from 4 to 7 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday at 2 pm at First Christian Church, 104 3rd Street NW, New Philadelphia, Ohio. A reception will be held in the church fellowship hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA). Donations may be made at www.abta.org or by calling 866-659-1030.