Truitt Carmel Williams, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2024, at his home. He was surrounded by his family and pets.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Evelyn Williams, grandparents, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Holly Schatz (Jim) Cornwall.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Amy Schatz Williams, children, Clifton (Aimee) Williams, Suzanna Claire Williams, and Katherine Grace (Josh) Mapels, grandchildren, Amelia Grace Maples and Jonah Paul, sister and brother in laws, Sheila (Chris) Albritton and Anthony (Tony) Schatz, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, his spoiled dogs, Dylan, Prissy, Ed, Bob, and Trixie, and the meanest cat ever, AnnLee.
He was an avid fisherman, making custom rods and flying his own flags. He considered being on the river a religious experience. He savored every moment spent on the bayous, rivers, wetlands, gulf, and Barrier Island as a gift.
He was a very talented musician, playing in his 1st band, "The Village Green", by age 12. Their first paying job was at the Fiesta in Biloxi. He continued his love for playing with numerous bands throughout his life. His college band "Stony Lonesome" is best remembered across the state. He loved his family of band members going back to Jr. High School until present day. Musicians have a bond that transcends time.
As much as he loved music, his first love was building ships. He opened a small boatyard on the Escatawpa River after college building numerous boats. The last boat he built was a 52' shrimp boat he Christened "Miss Irene", after his grandmother. It eventually was lost in Hurricane Katrina.
He continued his love of shipbuilding at Ingalls in 1982 until his retirement. He had a very successful career as an engineer, giving him the opportunity to travel around the world numerous times. Working with the best in the industry, he made lifelong friends. He always felt so blessed to have his work family and a career he loved.
Truitt pledged the Pike Fraternity at Mississippi State University in 1971. All of the brothers have remained faithful friends to this day.
Truitt was blessed to do the things he loved most in life, shipbuilding, music, fishing, a family that loved him beyond words, and mostly watching the sunset with his granddaughter and a nice scotch on the rocks.
His steadfast friends, Chip Hemenway, Pete Avara, Terry Allen, Daryl Dryden, and Bill Koon, that were so faithful. Hospice of Light and all the Doctors that cared for him are in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Rescue or Shelter of your choice.
A Celebration of his life is being planned for a later date.