Edward B. Williams of Wellesley Hills, died on November 7, 2014, at
his home. He was 103.

Born in Taunton (MA), he was the son of Arthur H. Williams and Sophie
Baker Williams. Mr. Williams is survived by his sister Helen Williams
Hill, Ann Arbor (MI), her children and grandchildren. He was
predeceased on November 17, 2005 by his beloved wife of 54 years,
Martha E. D. (Dwyer), also brother Bradley Williams.

A graveside service was held on November 12 at Mayflower Hill
Cemetery in Taunton (MA). A memorial service is planned for 11:00 AM
Saturday, November 22, at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 258 Concord
Street, Newton Lower Falls (MA) 02462. Mr. Williams led a rich and
full life, celebrating his past but very much living in the moment. He
was very proud of his military service during World War II and his
status as the oldest living WWII veteran in Wellesley, which he
celebrated by riding in the annual Wellesley Memorial Day Parade as
recently as this past June. Mr. Williams served in Battery A,
41sthonorable discharge in December 1945 as First Lieutenant. His
battles and campaigns included Arno, Southern France, Rhineland and
Central Europe. Mr. Williams received the Silver Star 703rd Division;
the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with Bronze
Arrowhead; and Distinguished Unit Badge Fourragere of the Colors of
the Croix de Guerre. Mr. Williams served in National Guard for many
years, where he attained the rank of Major. Mr. Williams was
graduated from Tufts University in 1932 and worked as a court reporter
in Taunton prior to being drafted. He subsequently received a PhD in
French Linguistics from Brown University, and remained an avid student
of all languages, most recently teaching himself Portuguese.

After obtaining his doctorate, he taught at Trinity College (Hartford,
CT), the University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT) and Northeastern
University. Music was very important in Mr. William’s life. As a
former church organist, he was composing a Sanctus. Mr. Williams was a
longtime member of the Highland Glee Club. As a youth, he earned the
Eagle Scout Award, and later served as a scout master in Taunton for
many years. Throughout his life, Mr. Williams was an avid reader and
relentless seeker of knowledge. He was known for his mind and
intellect, quick wit, unquenchable thirst for figuring things out and
strong opinions on local, national and world affairs. One of his final
acts was to complete an absentee election ballot. Mr. Williams loved
reading obituaries, calling out especially interesting ones to family
and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in
celebration of a life well lived to St. Mary’s or the Highland Glee
Club (online www.highlandgleeclub.com; mail attn: Bob Marlette,
Treasurer, 7 Highcroft Way, Hopkinton (MA) 01748.