Delmer L. Williams, Sr., 87, of Freeport, Ohio, passed away August 12, 2026.

He was born February 23, 1939, in Shippingport, Pennsylvania, to the late Hollie T. Williams and Dovie Alice Ray Williams.

He was a man of many talents, quick wit, and a remarkably big heart. There was very little he couldn’t do once he set his mind to it. He was intelligent and resourceful, with a natural ability to look at a problem and find a way through it.

He lived in many places across the country and held several careers throughout his life, but one of his proudest accomplishments was founding Del’s Garage Doors in Cleveland, Ohio, which he owned and operated for almost 40 years. He poured himself into his work and built a successful business through decades of long days and hard work. Sitting still was never really in his nature. There was always another job to finish, another project to start, or something that needed his attention.

He was exceptionally skilled with his hands and could build or repair just about anything. If he didn’t know how to do something, that rarely stopped him. He would figure it out, often finding a solution that others might never have considered. He was always building something, fixing something, or taking on another project. Just a few years ago, he built a house with his own two hands, with the help of some good friends along the way. It was a remarkable accomplishment, but also perfectly characteristic of him. Once he set his mind to something, there was very little he couldn’t do.

He had a lifelong love of the outdoors. Hunting and fishing were longtime favorites, but he appreciated wildlife just as much when he wasn’t hunting it. He built and maintained his own bird feeders and enjoyed watching the birds they attracted. During the off-season, he fed the deer and watched them gather. He also had a natural talent for music and especially enjoyed playing the guitar and harmonica.

He loved to laugh, and he especially loved making other people laugh. A natural jokester, he was always ready with a joke and loved a good time. He enjoyed a little friendly competition and rarely passed up an opportunity for it. And while some might have called him stubborn, he probably would have had a very good argument for why they were wrong. He also had a particular talent for finding the loophole when he wanted one. These were all part of the personality that made him unmistakably himself and gave those who loved him so many stories to tell.

His family was deeply important to him, and he loved each of his children dearly. He was someone his friends and family knew they could depend on. He shared his time and his talents freely and was always willing to help the people he cared about. If something was broken, chances were he could fix it. If someone needed a hand, he gave one. He showed his love in practical ways, often by simply being there and doing whatever needed to be done.

He is survived by his children, Delmer Williams, Jr., Clayton Kevin (Gloria) Williams, Shane (Michelle) Williams, Troy Williams, Kelly Sorensen, Kerry Quigley, Doris (Scott) Hartman, and Devon (Elohi) Martin; 26 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and one special grand-dog.

Delmer was preceded in death by his parents, Hollie Williams and Dovie Ray Williams; his 12 brothers and sisters; his son, Jeffery Koehler; his infant daughter, Devon Lucille Williams; and his little buddy, “Rascel.”

He leaves behind countless stories, plenty of laughter, and many things built by his own hands. More importantly, he leaves behind the mark he made on the people who knew and loved him. He worked hard his entire life, took pride in what he created, and never stopped finding ways to be useful to the people around him. He will be remembered for the life he built, the laughter he shared, and the generosity with which he gave so much of himself to others.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at The Bend Church, 575 B S. Jefferson Ave., Cookeville, Tennessee 38501. An additional Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in the Ohio/Pennsylvania area for family and friends throughout both states. Details for that service will be announced once arrangements have been finalized.