Bernard Alexander Willams, 86, of California, MD, formerly of Silver Spring, MD died Sept. 29, 2009, at his residence, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born March 15, 1923 in Roanoke, VA, he was the youngest of 7 children of the late Walter Ernest Williams and the late Mary Coffman Williams.

He was a life-long car enthusiast, working for Ford Motor Company throughout his career. He first came to St. Mary's County in the '50s, spending weekends enjoying boating, fishing and crabbing, as well as racing his stock car, number "00". After he retired in 1977, he and his wife became full-time St. Mary's County residents. In later years, he was an avid Nascar fan and enjoyed watching sports on TV. He was an active member of the Solomons United Methodist Church. He was the husband of the late Betty Armentrout Williams, whom he married on April 10, 1943. They celebrated 61 years of marriage before her death in 2004.

He is survived by his children, Brenda Simmons and her husband, Jim, of Chestertown, MD and Kathleen Williams of Columbia, MD; 6 grandchildren, Richard Gordon and his wife, Wendy, of Ingleside, MD, Christopher Gordon and his wife, Debbie, of Columbia, MD, Scott Gordon of Port Republic, Ryan Gordon and his wife, April, of Centreville, MD, Jenny Helmbold of Chicago and Andrew Helmbold and his wife, Kristen, of Salisbury, NC; 12 great-grandchildren, Zachary, Christopher, Laura, Mitchell, Madeline, Sophia, Brooke, Wade, Andrew, Brice, Faith and Reagan; close family members Frank Gordon of Owings, MD and Richard Helmbold of Frederick, MD.

A memorial service will be held Friday, October 2, 2009 at 11 a.m. at Solomons United Methodist Church, Rev. Dr. Phillip Logan officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements provided by Brinsfield Funeral Home.