MARQUETTE - Ernest Edward Williams, Jr., 83, formerly of 222 S. Fifth St., Marquette, entered eternal life early Friday morning, July 17, 2009, at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, where he had resided since March. He had battled cancer for the past year.

Ernie was born November 13, 1925, in Marquette, a son of Ernest E. and Theresa (Savoy) Williams, Sr., and was raised in Marquette. He attended Marquette schools and later entered the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II. Following his honorable discharge, Ernie attended a trade school in Toledo, Ohio, where he was trained as a meat cutter. Returning to Marquette, he joined his father and aunt in their operation, E&J Williams Grocery, which was located at the corner of Hewitt Avenue and Fourth Street. He assumed ownership of the business following the death of his father. During his time at the store, Ernie learned and exercised all facets of the store operation from meat cutting, assisting customers, and providing grocery delivery service. Following the store's closure in 1972, Ernie was employed at several other grocery concerns, both as a meat cutter and sometimes as delivery driver, among them the Chatham Co-op, Angeli's and Jilbert Dairy. He never completely retired and kept busy, often taking side jobs, and helping transport patients to medical appointments. In his leisure, he enjoyed attending concerts and local fairs, going to the casino, cheering for the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Red Wings, and often attending softball games at Hurley Field with his friend and companion, Ruth Rosin.

Ernie was a member of Richard Jopling Post 44 of the American Legion.

Survivors include his children, Gary Williams of Milwaukee, Wis., Grant (Martie) Williams of Gladwin, Diane (Bill LaFountain) Williams of Marquette, Lynn (Wayne) Ersbo of Minneapolis, Minn., Ernest Williams of Chicago, Ill., and Scott Williams and Tim (Brenda Codere) Williams, both of Sands Township; his grandchildren, Roger, Brenda, Keith, Brian and Ashley; and his longtime friend and companion, Ruth Rosin of Marquette.

In addition to his parents, Ernie was preceded in death by his wife, Marian Jane (McCoy) Williams in 1989; his sister and her husband, Marie and Robin Aird; and an infant brother, Neil Williams.

Private family services with veteran's honors were held at the Swanson Funeral Home with the Rev. Ardy Johnson, Jacobetti Home for Veterans chaplain, officiating. Burial was made in the Park Cemetery.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans Patient Activity Fund, 425 Fisher St., Marquette, MI 49855.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.fassbenderswanson.com.