Earl R. Williams, 86, of Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away peacefully Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012, at his home in Punta Gorda.

He was born July 8, 1925, in Warren, Ohio, to Benton H. Williams and Ella Williams, and stepson to Mary (nee Cunningham) Williams.

They moved shortly thereafter to Pennsylvania, where Earl later grew up and graduated from Bridgeville High School, near Pittsburgh, Pa. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and served 30 months in the European Ground Offensive with the 3rd Army 30th Infantry Division. Earl worked as a shipper for the Castle Shannon Coal Co. and the Norfolk and Western Railroad, and later Norfolk Southern, where he retired as Assistant Chief Dispatcher in 1987. He was a member of American Legion Post 110, the Deep Creek Elks, and Society of the 30th Infantry Division, Loyal Order of Moose, and previously Deep Creek Golf Club.

Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Doris Jeanne Williams; a daughter, Linda K. (nee Williams) McNeal of Tallahassee, Fla.; daughter-in-law, Carol L. (Heineman) Williams of Maryland; sister-in-law, Marlene (Didion) McMahon; brother-in-law, Francis X. McMahon of Tucson, Ariz.; two granddaughters, Jana I. Henderson of Maryville, Ill., and Kimberly (Johnson) Rause of West Virginia; one great-granddaughter, Merchant Henderson; and two nieces, Constance Thomas of Switzerland, and Cyndee Williams of Atlanta, Ga. Earl was preceded in death by his sister, Norma (nee Williams) Thomas; brother, Benton H. Williams; and sister-in-law, Catherine (McKnight) Williams.

A Memorial Service will be held and announced at a later date by the family. Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to sign the memory book and extend condolences to the family.

Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory, Port Charlotte, Fla., Chapel.