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James R. (Bud) Williams, age 99, of New Bethlehem, died Tuesday morning, January 17, 2012, in the Clarion Hospital following a brief illness.

Born January 9, 1913, in New Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Robert and Nellie Davidson Williams.

He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He was a member of Battery C, 357th AAA, 101st Airborne. He was an Army Sharp Shooter with the M 1 Riffle and served in Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Bronze Stars and the World War II Victory Medal.

After his discharge from the Army, Bud returned home to New Bethlehem and worked as a foreman for the Andrew’s Paint Shop and Crawford Furniture. In his spare time, he did painting and wallpapering in numerous homes in the New Bethlehem area.

In 1945, he married the former Rosamond Moore. She preceded him in death in 1990.

Bud was the oldest living member of the First United Methodist Church of New Bethlehem and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Loyal Order of MOOSE and VFW Post #415, all of New Bethlehem. He was a life member of the ELKS Club of Kittanning.

He was known by many as “Shooter”, a nickname he acquired for his hunting and billiards skills.

Bud is survived by his longtime companion, Jean Evans, and his niece, Barb Lovell, both of New Bethlehem. He is also survived by numerous great nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sister and her husband, Naomi and Ken Willison and a nephew, William Willison.

At Bud’s request, there will be no public visitation.

Family and Friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church, 234 Penn Street, New Bethlehem. Reverend Joe Short and Reverend Jodie Smith, pastors of the Redbank Valley Methodist Ministry, will officiate.

Interment will take place in the New Bethlehem Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given in Bud’s name to the First United Methodist Church, 234 Penn Street, New Bethlehem, PA 16242 or the New Bethlehem Area Free Public Library at 720 Broad Street, New Bethlehem, PA 16242.

Online condolences may be sent to Bud’s family at www.rupertfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements are under the direction of the Rupert Funeral Home of New Bethlehem.