from the USTA Communications Department
Columbus, OH — Warren Sigurd Williams, 87, known to friends as Bill, died Nov. 5, 2011, in Fort Pierce, Fla.
He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and lived in Fort Pierce for the past 21 years.
Mr. Williams graduated from Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park, N.Y., and attended the University of Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a teenager, prior to the United States’ involvement in World War II, and later transferred to the United States Army Air Forces.
He was the first person in US military aviation to receive all four ratings related to aviation: pilot, bombardier, navigator and radar operator. During the war and after, he flew P51s, P47s, multi-engine planes and jets. He was honorably discharged with 11 years of service and rose to the rank of Captain.
Mr. Williams was corporate pilot for Hanover Shoe Farms and later started his own insurance agency in the Philadelphia area.
He was past president of Central Ski Club of Philadelphia, the Indian River Photo Club, a member of St. Lucie County Rock and Gem Club and the Omicron Chapter of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Lynne Dieser Williams; son, Russell C. III; and son-in-law, David Schaefer. He was preceded in death by his brother, Russell C.; and son, Tom.
Memorial contributions can be made to Treasure Coast Hospice, 1201 S.E. Indian St., Stuart, FL 34997.