Benjamin Ernest McWilliams

Benjamin Ernest McWilliams, age 94, began his eternal journey on August 19, 2017.

Benjamin was born August 2, 1923, in Britton, the son of William J. and Laura (Ryder) McWilliams.

He married Patricia Bates on August 18, 1972 at Sand Creek Community Church by Reverend Richard Jorden.

Ben was an employee of Tecumseh Products for 43 years and a barber in his shop on the Boulevard from 1955 until 1968.

He graduated from Blissfield High School in 1941 and was valedictorian of his class.

He attended the University of Florida and the Toledo Barber College where he graduated in 1952.

He was a life member and Past Commander of Underwood-Orr No. 34 and a member of 40 & 8 Voiture Locale 997.  He was also a veteran of World War II serving in the Army Air Force O.C.S.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; son, Benjamin G. and his wife, Jannette, of Tecumseh; daughter, Kathryn R. Saylor of Hamilton, Ohio; stepdaughter, Linda Bates Chase of Adrian; grandsons, Andrew (Lacy) Quinn, Benjamin J. (Kelsey) McWilliams; granddaughters, Josette (Tom) Richardson, Jenna (Justin) Huff and Bibi Anna Saylor; step-granddaughters, Erin Chase (Carl) Pickett and Amy Chase Kennedy; many nieces and nephews; great-grandchildren, McKenna, Brynn and Tatum Richardson, Donovan and Dylan Quinn, Devon Kate Huff, Cannon Elizabeth Huff, Saiyan Michael and Sierra Pickett; and the mother of his children, Eula Mae McWilliams.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Arthur and Robert; sisters, Myrtle Prielipp, Estelle McClelland, Hazel Underwood, Vadah Stutesman, Jessie Crutchfield, Anna Fairbanks, Alice Pratt, Marie Gall and Helen Beach.

The family wishes to thank Lenawee Medical Care workers Wendy, Bree, Brandi, Jennifer, Linda and Rebecca; and Hospice of Lenawee workers April and Mary, no better care could have been given.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017 at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh, with Rev. Mark Zender officiating. Final resting place will be at Ridgeway Cemetery.

Visitation was from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017 at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lenawee Medical Care Facility or Hospice of Lenawee.

Condolences may be made online at www.pursefuneralhome.com.