Kenneth Michael Williams

On the night of September 20th, Mike (Kenneth Michael) age 65 passed away in the comfort of his home surrounded by the love of his family. He is survived by his three sons: James (New Market, VA), Samuel (Grifton, NC) and Matthew (Woodstock, VA).

Born in Grand Rapids Michigan on March 4th, 1958, to parents Kenneth C and Barabara D. Williams. Mike was raised alongside his siblings Jeff (Red Hook, NY), Bonnie Williams Henry (Salem, MA), Mark (Holly Springs, NC) and Sally Williams (Raleigh, NC).

The Williams family moved from Michigan, lived briefly in Bowling Green Ohio while his father completed his Master of Mathematics and then settled in Rhinebeck New York for most of Mike’s younger years. During his years in Rhinebeck, Mike and his siblings grew up on a horse farm where they were involved in 4H and riding in horse shows. Days were spent taking care of horses and building houses, but fun and adventures were always just around the corner. Mike loved fishing, building forts and rafting with his brothers. While in high school he played Soccer for the Rhinebeck Indians and in a band with his friends. In 1974, Mike, his sister Sally and parents moved to Cary, NC where he played Soccer for the Cary Imps and graduated from Cary High School in 1976.

In 1977, Mike graduated with honors from Nashville Auto-Diesel College. He spent 37 years working for Alban Caterpillar in Winchester, VA, finishing his years there as the Branch Manager. After retiring, he worked 6 years at James River as a Product Support Coordinator.

Mike married Amanda Leah Strickland on May 6, 1989, at the United Methodist Church in Woodstock Virginia. Mike and Mandy met at the historic Edinburg Mill tavern in Edinburg, VA. After an evening of repeated requests, Mandy finally relented and agreed to give Mike her number. During their time together they carried on the Williams family tradition of physically building their own homes. They built three beautifully crafted houses in: Harper’s Ferry, WV; Edinburg, VA and Woodstock, VA. Although the houses were completed, Mike always had a “new” project that just had to be done and they had the best lawn and garden in the neighborhood. Amanda Leah Strickland died unexpectedly on May 1st, 2018.

In addition to their love of building houses they purchased a 36-foot Bayliner and docked it in Washington, DC. Many weekends were spent enjoying being on the water or just sitting at dock enjoying life on the boat. Also, the “all you could eat lobster bar” was a favorite of theirs.

Mike and Mandy were married 11 years before having children, but once started had three boys in 33 months. From then on, Mike’s world revolved around the boys. Mike and his boys were always active outside. Favorites of theirs were camping, fishing and boating. Mike built a ½ mile go-cart track around their property that ran through the woods, over gullies and up hills. Through the years, Mike would buy anything with a motor that needed fixing up (cars, campers, boats, go-carts) and would repair them to pristine condition. The boys’ first cars were all fixer uppers.

Mike and his sons attended Grace Baptist Church in Woodstock, Virginia. His oldest son James completed his Pastoral Internship program at Grace Baptist Church. Samuel completed a one-year Bible certificate at Crown College in Tennessee. His youngest son, Matthew earned a two-year automotive degree also at Crown college.

Mike is loved by all and will be dearly missed by his family and friends. We know he is in Heaven today. Mike received his salvation and professed his faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at Grace Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 9:30-10:30 at the church. Reverend Kenneth Sparks will officiate. A burial will follow in Massanutten Cemetery. There will be a reception following the burial at Grace Baptist Church.

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