Gary M. Williams

Gary M. Williams “former Eldred and Shinglehouse resident”

GRANTVILLE, Pa.---Gary M. Williams, 51, of Grantville, PA, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, January 3, 2022, at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey.

Born on Friday, October 30, 1970, in Olean, NY, he was a son of the late Robert “Bob” Williams and Beverly Haberberger.

He attended school at Otto Eldred Jr-Sr High School, Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse, and Port Allegany Area Vo-Tech School.

Gary has been an over the road truck driver for the past 13 years, first for CR England and now for Davis Farms. He was always quick to make friends in every city he was in. Gary would go out of his way to take loads where he could enjoy time with his son and grandsons. Gary also enjoyed visiting his nephew, Brandon, while he was stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base. Gary became quite the photographer as he enjoyed sharing videos and photos of his travels with family and friends on social media. No matter where he was delivering to he would make it a point to pass through Jackson, Tennessee to make a stop at his favorite BBQ joint, Exit 87 BBQ and he would torment his family and friends with photos of his delicious meals. He also worked for Triple Crown, Hoffman Ford and Rick’s Auto Body.

Gary was best known for a few things, the first was the infamous car chase back in the day that is still talked about often, if you know, you know. The other is his sense of humor. He was always smiling, joking and trying to pull a prank on some unsuspecting person. Gary’s biggest passion was his love of dirt track racing. He raced for a few years at Bradford Raceway and then later after moving to Grantville, he raced his #69 microsprint race car at local tracks. When he was home you could always find him at a dirt track, either as a driver, spectator, or helping Gregg and Justin on their race cars. While on the road you would still find him watching the racing action streaming online with friends. Gary was also an avid Dale Earnhardt Jr and Dallas Cowboys fan.

Gary is survived by his wife, Theresa, of Grantville; his son, Jordon (Kayla) Williams of Hammondsport, NY; stepsons, Gregg Foster of Harrisburg and William Foster of Rixford; his sister, Stephanie Williams of Eldred, stepsister, Katie (Jarrid) Matteson of Wellsville, N.Y.; his mother, Beverly (Steven) Haberberger of Eldred; his stepmother, Lora Williams of Wellsville, N.Y.; three grandsons, Mason, Jace and Ryker in Hammondsport, NY; grandson, Justin Foster and granddaughter, Jessica Foster of Harrisburg; paternal grandmother, Jean Thompson of Smethport; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

In addition to his father, Gary was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Robert B. Williams; step-grandfather, Jim Thompson; maternal grandmother, Jacqueline Bowers; his aunt, Ethel Bennett; and his uncle, Mike Heschel.

A celebration of life is being planned for a later date and time. Those wishing to place memorials and in lieu of flowers may do so through a GoFundMe account set up to help offset final costs and expenses. https://www.gofundme.com/f/69e6r-help-with-funeral...

The family is being assisted by Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil l. Hoard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences or share a fond memory of Gary, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.