Daniel "Dan" R. Williams

Mr. Daniel R. Williams, 88, of Galax, VA, passed away at Waddell Nursing Center, Friday, January 27, 2023.  He was born in Alleghany County, June 11, 1934, to the late Richard Alonzo and Ida Cecil Lowe Williams.  Mr. Williams bravely served in the U.S. Army from 1957 until 1959 and continued to express his patriotism by joining the VFW in Hillsville.  He devoted his life to his family and his love for music.  Mr. Williams enjoyed camping with his family, going to music festivals, meeting many of the all-time greats, Bill Monroe, Larry Sparks, many others.  He was dedicated to “Old Time” music playing with many different people through the years, Wayne Lowe, Whit Sizemore, Tommy Jarrell and Slate Mountain Ramblers, Southern Pride, his nephews, James and Joey Burris, and also, Terry Semones, Kevin Fore, to name a few.  He encouraged his grandson to play and was proud to watch him become an accomplished fiddle player.  He was delighted to be grandpa to two wonderful grandchildren and a very special great granddaughter.  Meeting new people and visiting with old friends was always a special time due to his outgoing personality and love for people.  Mr. Williams was known for his woodworking, building birdhouses, squirrel feeders, and picture frames.  He built frames for numerous puzzles that he and his wife would sit diligently for hours to assemble, as well as frames for many pictures.  Mr. Williams will be lovingly remembered by his daughter and son-in-law, Dee and Ricky Thompson; grandchildren, April Clontz and husband Zachary, and Cody Thompson; a great granddaughter, Kate Clontz; and a sister, Gladys Williams.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his wife, Ila Faye Felts Williams; and sisters, Reba Padgett and Elaine Smith.  A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, January 30, 2023, at Independence Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Shawn Carter officiating.  Full military rites will be conducted by the VFW Honor Guard Mt. Airy Post 2019 and Pilot Mountain Post 9436.  The family will receive friends at Moody Funeral Home in Mt. Airy on Monday from 9:30 until 10:30 AM.  Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.