Final Salute

WATERTOWN, NY – Clifford M. Williams, 89, of East Division Street, passed away on December 15, 2024 at Samaritan Medical Center.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024 from 1-3 pm at Reed & Benoit Funeral Home. A funeral service will immediately follow at 3 pm. There will be a Celebration of Life gathering to follow at the Watertown VFW. Burial with military honors will be held in the spring in Brookside Cemetery.

Born on May 17, 1935 in Adams, New York, Clifford was the son of Frank and Catherine (Chrisman) Williams. Cliff grew up on the family farm in Adams and was one of ten children. Following his education, he enlisted in the United States Navy on January 3, 1952, serving proudly with the US Naval Seabees and was “recommended for reenlistment.” On May 2, 1955 he was released to inactive duty with the Ready Reserves if needed for a recall. He was discharged on January 2, 1960 after nearly eight years of honorable service.

Clifford then worked as a heavy equipment operator with the International Union of Operation Engineers, retiring after 67 years of employment.

In 1994 he met the love of his life, Theresa “Terry” Cummings. They spent over 30 years together until her passing.

Cliff enjoyed weekly Friday night dinners at Shorty’s with his family. He was an avid reader and could often be found tinkering around the house, fixing things.

Survivors include his daughter, Julie (Mark) Carlos of Connecticut; son, Damon Williams of Syracuse, NY; and Dallas (Chas) Sloat, who was lovingly known as his other daughter; his grandchildren, the apples of his eye, who lovingly knew him as “Poppie”, Dakota Marie Sloat and Cheyenne Morgan Sloat and his great-grandson on the way, CJ. He was additionally survived by family members George and Barb Cummings, and their children George A. Cummings and Danielle L. Calvo, as well as a favorite pet friend, Bella Rose and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by the love of his life, Theresa “Terry” Cummings who passed on July 24, 2019; a daughter, Elizabeth Frazier who passed on April 27, 2016; six brothers, Alfred, Earl, Richard, James, Ronald, and Clifford; and four sisters, Beulah, Edna, Thea, and Alice.

Arrangements are with Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Inc. and condolences may be left online at www.reedbenoit.com.

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