Erik Ryan Williams, 43, passed away on July 31, 2026. He was born March 8, 1983, in Paulding, Ohio, to Erwin “Stan” Williams and Davida DeVers.

 Erik graduated from Wayne Trace High School in Haviland, Ohio, and later began a distinguished career in the United States Army. 

He enlisted in November 2006 and served as a combat engineer and heavy equipment operator, eventually attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. From 2007 to 2009, Erik completed a 15-month deployment to Iraq with the 232nd Engineer Company, 84th Engineer Battalion. His unit carried out dangerous route-clearance missions, searching for and clearing improvised explosive devices so roads could be made safer for travel. 

Erik’s Army career was marked by exceptional accomplishment. He completed the demanding Sapper Leader Course and earned the coveted Sapper Tab. He was named NCO of the Year, excelled in numerous Army boards and competitions, and received the Sergeant Audie Murphy Award, one of the Army’s most prestigious honors for noncommissioned officers. The award recognized Erik’s exceptional leadership, military knowledge, professionalism, and commitment to the welfare of his soldiers, and brought him into the distinguished Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. 

He also spent three years stationed in Hawaii and was a member of the Warrior Brotherhood. Erik’s military career eventually came to an end when injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident led to his medical retirement. 

As accomplished as Erik was in uniform, those who loved him knew there was much more to him. 

Erik was strong, loyal, funny, thoughtful, and deeply devoted to the people he cared about. He loved fishing, especially with Sheryl. He loved Michigan football, had a soft spot for puppies, and carried more than one turtle tattoo. Those who knew him well will also remember his sense of humor, his potty jokes, and the familiar question, “Are you a turtle?” 

Sheryl first met Erik at a little biker bar, and what first caught her attention was what she lovingly described as his “pure manliness.” But beneath the tough exterior was a kind and thoughtful husband who loved deeply. Family mattered greatly to Erik, and Sheryl’s mother and brothers were especially dear to him. 

Friendship mattered just as much. If Erik called you his friend, he was going to be a faithful friend. Loyalty was not something he talked about. It was something he lived. 

In more recent years, Erik’s faith in Christ became increasingly important to him. Though he was still fairly young in his Christian walk, his love for the Lord was growing, and Callahan Methodist Church became a meaningful part of his life. His church family mattered to him, and he was continuing to grow in what it meant to follow Jesus. 

Erik is survived by his beloved wife, Sheryl Lynn Riddle-Williams; his mother, Davida DeVers; his uncle, George Williams and his wife Cheryl; his cousins, Rikki Place and her husband Joe, and Heather Wesley and her husband Chet; along with extended family, Army brothers, church family, and many friends. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Erwin “Stan” Williams; his paternal grandparents, Nancy and Victor Breslin; and his godfather, Robert Lesser. 

There are many ways Erik will be remembered: as a Soldier, a Sapper, a Staff Sergeant, a leader, a fisherman, a Michigan fan, a loyal friend, a man who loved puppies, turtles, and a good bad joke. 

But above all, Erik will be remembered as a man who loved his family, loved his friends, loved his church, and was growing in his love for Jesus. 

And for Sheryl, perhaps the thing she will miss most is simple: his laugh.

The tribute above was prepared by Erik’s loving family.

A Celebration of Erik’s Life will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at Callahan Methodist Church with Pastor Bodie Riddle officiating. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service at the church. The arrangements are under the care and direction of Nassau Funeral Home, 541720 US-1, Callahan, Florida 32011. 904-879-1770. Visit www.nassaufh.com to sign the family’s guest book.