Master Sgt. Andre Williams died Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, as a result of an automobile accident in Abilene, Texas. Andre was assigned to the 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Dyess AFB Texas. He was a few weeks from retirement. Andre served his country honorably for more than 20 years. He was a brilliant, fun-loving person who loved and was equally loved and adored by his family. He was liked and respected by all his co-workers as well as his many friends and Air Force family members around the world. Andre was born and raised in Panama City, Fla., the oldest of five siblings. He graduated from Rutherford High School in 1986 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on Feb. 9, 1987. After graduating from technical training for Aircraft Hydraulic and Pneudraulic Systems, he was assigned to Carswell AFB, Texas. Subsequent assignments included Taegu Air Base, Republic of Korea; Shaw AFB, S.C.; Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea; Eglin AFB, Fla.; and Kadena AB, Japan. Sgt. Williams arrived at the 317th AMXS in May 2006 and rose through supervisory roles culminating as production superintendent. During his career, Master Sgt. Williams was responsible for maintaining myriad aircraft. These included the KC-135, F-4, A-10, F-15, F-16, E-3, H-60 and C-30. He deployed in support of multitude of operations such as Uphold Democracy, Provide Comfort, Northern Watch, Unified Assistance, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Horn of Africa. Some of the recognitions awarded for his dedicated efforts were the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal (posthumously), Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with silver leaf oak cluster and Valor Device, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with combat gold frame, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Korean Defense Service Medal. Sgt. Williams is survived by his wife, Cleopatra; and 3-year-old son, D'Andre of Angeles City, Philippine; mother, Betty Williams; brother, Hosea (Melissa); sisters, Consuela (Jonathan), Wanda (Tony) and Delilah (Eric) all of Panama City, Fla.; mother-in-law, Lorna Buncad, and father-in-law, Willie Neal, of Angeles City, Philippine; sister-in-law, Pia Dixon of Australia; aunts, Linda Speights (Franky), Mary Peterman (James), Patricia (Anderson), Pamela Thomas (Gary) and Jelisa Thomas; uncles, John Frazier (Debra) and Joe Jackson; nephews, Tevin, Trey, Tyrieck and Azayvier; nieces, Delisa, Makayla, Tamiyah and Amiya; cousins, Madelyn, Orintian, Letha, Michelle, Joyce, Kim, Willie, Ronnie, Joann, Erica, Stephanie, Lisa, Nakia, Giesla, Nnamdi, Kiko, Jackie, Diatra, Marcia, Natasha, Zabrina Kifentse, Joaquin, Bruce, Chad, Meikiela, Carlos, Marcus, Shareka and Antonio; and special friends, John Thompson, Tony Allen and Shawn Barkley. He also leaves to mourn and cherish his memory a host of cousins, friends and other relatives. Andre's contagious smile, calm nature, generosity and enduring work ethics will be sorely missed by all. Andre was preceded in death by his father, Ivey Williams; grandparents, Eddie and Effie Frazier, Henry and Myrtle Williams; great-grandparents, Mary and Willie Robinson, John and Lillie Walker; uncle, Eddie Frazier Jr.; and aunt Annie Jackson. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008, at Family of God Baptist Church with Chaplain Ralph Devaul Officiating. The Rev. Kenric Conway will serve as pastor. Public visitation will be from 1-8 p.m. today, Nov. 24, 2008, at Battle Memorial Funeral Home. Remains will lie in state one hour prior to funeral services at the church. Full military honors will be presented by Tyndall Air Force Base honor guard. Battle Memorial Funeral Home 1123 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Panama City, Fla. 32401 (850) 763-4951