McWilliams, Kenneth Jackson

Kenneth Jackson McWilliams, 72, of Narrows, passed beyond to a better world on Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017 at LewisGale Hospital Montgomery in Blacksburg.

He was born in Blackshear, Georgia on July 29th, 1944 and was the son of the late Woodrow Jackson Thrift and Charlotte Gay Showers Thrift. In addition to his mother and father, he was preceded in death by a sister, Alpha Patricia Blackburn.

Kenneth’s passions included historical reenactments, gunsmithing and weapons, art, collecting memorabilia, trains, hunting, photography, and chasing tornadoes. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He was also one of the first registered emergency medical technicians in Virginia.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 47 years, Pamela Wheeler McWilliams of Narrows; three children, Kenneth Hunter McWilliams of Metairie, Louisiana, Elias Edward McWilliams and wife Kristie of Columbia, Maryland, and Caitlin Fawn Veitz and husband Brian of Mandan, North Dakota; four grandchildren, Sylvia Lynn McWilliams, Keiran Jane Veitz, Scarlet Nova McWilliams, and Adeline Elizabeth McWilliams; many friends, including the nurses, emergency room staff, physicians and ICU nurses who provided such wonderful end-of-life care.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, February 26th, 2017 at 3 PM in the Chapel of Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows with Pastor Roger Hazelwood officiating. The family will receive friends at Riffe’s Funeral Chapel Sunday from 2 PM until just prior to the service.

The family is being served by Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows, (540) 726-2442, and online at riffefuneralservice.com.