Obituary of Fate Ballard Williams

WEAVERVILLE – Fate Ballard Williams, age 94, of Weaverville, went peacefully to be with his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, May 26, 2021.

Mr.  Williams was born May 10, 1927 in Buncombe County, one of eight children of the late Mercuson Hoke and Leatha Ballard Williams; he was a resident of Buncombe County most of his life.  Fate worked as  a salesman in the wholesale building supplies at North State  for many years; he also worked at T & F for a dozen more years.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his son, Homer Dean Williams; a daughter, Shirley Diann Williams; and three brothers, Fred, Homer and Jack Williams.

Surviving are his wife, Doris Deaver Williams whom he would have been married to for 70 years on June 17; a sister, Kate Metcalf of Weaverville; a daughter-in-law, Roxanne Dempsey of Seattle, WA; two grandchildren, Kaycee and Matthew Bailey; two great grandchildren, Sienna and Tyler Bailey; and seven nieces, and seven nephews.

Fate had an interesting work history.  He traveled to the shipyard at Norfolk, VA with Carroll “Bay” Bryson to work, in the forties.  They returned to NC and built houses around the Weaverville area for several years. 

Fate enjoyed working for Harvey Heywood, Sr. at North State Materials as an outside salesman for over 30 years.  He met everyone with a smile and always had a cute story or a joke to make you laugh.  Fate was loved by his customers who relied on him to tour their warehouses and manage their supplies.  He was known for treating everyone fairly and ethically.  He was greatly missed by all.

His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday June 1, 2021 in Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Asheville where he served as a Deacon over 50 years. Reverend Keith Watkins will officiate. The members of the Deacon Board will serve as honorary pall bearers.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 754 Aiken Road, Asheville, NC  28804.

For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mr. Williams’ obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.