Walter Ray Williams Jr., 61, of Nitro, West Virginia, died the morning of Saturday, October 31,
2026.
Walt was born on April 21,1965. He was the son of Walter Ray Williams Sr. and Lejeune
Williams of Elkview, West Virginia.
Walt wore many hats throughout his life, but none meant more to him than husband, father, and
grandfather.
Walt began his career upon graduation of high school and entered into the United States Marine
Corps. He served for six years during the Reagan Administration, primarily serving in the
Presidential detail. After leaving the military, he began building a successful career as a private
investigator, earning the respect of colleagues and many others in that field.
But those who knew Walt best understood that his greatest accomplishments were never
measured by professional success. They were found in the time he spent with family, the
meaningful friendships he built throughout his life, and the ways he showed up in each of their
lives.
He enjoyed times of fellowship & food, never passed up the opportunity to share a story –
especially a tall fish tale, and had a sense of humor that would spark laughter in anyone
surrounding him. He loved the outdoors – especially fishing, hiking, and watching the wildlife
from his back porch. He enjoyed cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, the West Virginia
Mountaineers, the Marshall Thundering Herd. He also loved opportunities to play and be silly
with his grandchildren, often getting in trouble and getting an “Oh Pop Pop”.
Though we mourn his physical presence in our lives, may his family and friends find joy and
comfort in the memories made, the stories shared, and the life’s journey walked together.
Walt is survived by his wife,Tracey; his children, Heather (Matthew) Hamilton of Newberry,
South Carolina, Chad (Kaylynne) Williams of Edinboro, Pennsylvania, their mother, Rebekah
Cantley, and his stepdaughter Michaela (Jakob) Jitima of Morgantown, West Virginia. He has
five grandchildren – Eloise and Maeve Williams, Emma and Andrew Hamilton, and Quinn Jitima
– all who brought him immeasurable joy. He is also survived by his parents Rev. Walter Ray
Williams Sr. and Lejuene Williams and his three siblings – Cindy Siders, Jaime (Matthew) Moles, and David (Deb) Williams, and numerous other family members and dear friends.
The constraints of an obituary do not do Walt’s life and story justice, but the family hopes that it brings forth fond memories of times shared together.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at Hafer Funeral Home from 3:00pm -5:00pm.
A celebration of Walters life will begin 10:00am on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, with Chaplain David Bast officiating.
Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and remember a life that meant so much to so many.
Online condolences may be sent to haferfuneralhome.net
Arrangements are in the care of Hafer Funeral Home, 50 North Pinch Road, Elkview.
