Kenneth Dean “Ken” Williams, Sr., 89, of Rock Hill, South Carolina, passed away on August 16, 2026, under the care of hospice and surrounded by the family he loved beyond measure.
Born October 10, 1936, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Harvey Hugh and Mattie Mae Lucille Jones Williams, Ken grew up with his younger brother, Harvey LeBron Williams, learning early the values that would guide his life: work hard, take responsibility, care for others and make the most of every opportunity. He graduated from Central High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from the University of Chattanooga, where he participated in ROTC.
Ken served in the United States Army from 1960 to 1966, attaining the rank of Captain. During the Vietnam War, he flew a UH-1B Huey gunship on combat missions and later served as a VIP pilot for General William Westmoreland. He earned the Vietnam Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal. His military service also included time in Korea.
In 1966, Ken joined Delta Air Lines, beginning a 30-year career as a commercial pilot and ultimately retiring as a Delta captain. His care for others extended beyond the cockpit. Among his recognitions was a Delta Customer Service Citation for personally assisting a passenger whose son was in a coma.
Ken remained grateful throughout his life for his first wife, Helen, and the years they shared raising their four children, Ken, Trent, Lisa and Debbie. Her support helped him through flight school and the early years of building his career. Although their marriage ended in 1983, Ken continued to respect and include Helen as the mother of his children until her death in 2024.
For the final 40 years of his life, Ken shared his life with his beloved wife, Catherine Lucinda “Cathy” Williams. Together they created a life rich with family, friendship and adventure. They traveled extensively, cruised, explored the country by RV and made lasting friends wherever they went. Yet some of their happiest moments were simply having everyone together, including one treasured Christmas at their home in Springfield, Tennessee, when their children, grandchildren and siblings all gathered under one roof.
Ken was immensely proud of his daughters, Lisa and Debbie. Lisa held a particularly tender place in his heart, and his love for her deepened his commitment to supporting people with intellectual disabilities. Her quick wit also made him laugh like few others could. His relationship with Debbie carried the special bond of a father and daughter, each strong-minded in their own way. He watched with pride as she built a life uniquely her own, celebrating her family, education, service and leadership. With both daughters, his love was steady, unmistakable and abundant.
When he married Cathy, his family and his love also grew to include her children, Wesley, Karen and Jeffrey, and their families. Together, their blended family shared decades of holidays, travel, celebrations and family life.
His grandchildren were among his greatest joys. Ken showed up for sporting events, graduations and the moments that mattered. One favorite adventure was a three-generation fishing trip to Alaska with his brother, sons-in-law, stepsons and grandsons.
Ken loved fishing, sports, travel, time with friends and a good meal. He was always willing to investigate the next best ice cream place, although Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla remained hard to beat. A lifelong DIY problem-solver, he could build or repair almost anything and saw little reason to pay someone for something he could figure out himself. He was frugal with himself but remarkably generous with others.
Ken worked harder than almost anyone who knew him. He set goals and pursued them with determination, grit and an occasional dose of stubbornness. When he said, “It’s the principle of the matter,” those who loved him generally knew where the conversation was headed.
For 30 years, Ken was a Rotarian and a Paul Harris Fellow. He also spent 15 years supporting children with intellectual disabilities through Junior Forum in Pasadena, Texas. Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” described Ken well. He gave generously and humbly, thought of others before himself and believed that when someone needed help, you showed up.
That remained true until the end. As his health declined, Ken’s concern was still for the people he loved. He wanted his family near and found comfort in hearing their voices and laughter around him.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Harvey LeBron Williams; his sons, Kenneth Williams, Jr. and Trent Williams; and Helen, the mother of his children.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Catherine Lucinda “Cathy” Williams; his daughters, Lisa Williams and Debra Corbett and her husband, Bailey; and grandsons Bailey Dean Corbett, Kendon Corbett and Chase Corbett. He is also survived by Cathy’s children, Wesley Hand, Jr. and his wife, Kimberly; Karen Sedatole and her wife, Stacie; and Jeffrey Hand and his wife, Stephanie; grandchildren Savory McKibben and her husband, Tim, Wesley Hand, Emma Hand, Matthew Sedatole and his wife, Claire, and Julia Rockwell and her husband, Jeff; and great-grandchildren Zoe McKibben and Louis Rockwell.
Ken’s life was filled with airplanes flown, places traveled and goals accomplished, but his greatest legacy will always be found in the people he loved and the way he lived.
Work hard. Be responsible. Be kind. Be generous. Seize the opportunity. Laugh often. Take care of your people. And whenever possible, put service above self.
Ken did.