David Jay “Uncle Fred” Williams, 69, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on July 17, 2014, at his residence on Lake Wawasee.

He was born March 5, 1945, in Goshen, Ind., to Richard Darby and Louise (Ecklebarger) Williams.

He served proudly in the Navy as a mechanic and welder on nuclear submarines and surface ships. He used his military training skills to establish a later career as a Nuclear Engineer, executing independent quality assurance inspection for existing U.S. nuclear power plants, the construction of gas turbine power plants, oil pipelines, bridges, international fire-fighting equipment and tested materials such as that which was used to rebuild Manhattan’s underground waterways. Dave was a member of both Syracuse American Legion and VFW.

David Jay loved hummingbirds and living on Lake Wawasee where he enjoyed year-round water sports and dancing. He had a passion for golf, cooking, Budweiser, singing/improvisational rapping with his daughter, songwriting and picking his beloved Martin guitar with his many friends (most especially when playing “Puff the Magic Dragon” while letting his grandson jump on his bed.)

He is survived by his daughter: Whitney Williams and grandson, Easton Dai Ulery, Indianapolis, Ind.; his former wife: Nancy (Barnette) Williams, Indianapolis; his brother: Darby (Chris) Williams, Lake Lure, N.C.; a sister: Jan (George) Agisotelis, Palm Harbor, Fla.; his stepmother: Dorothy Williams, Oldsmar, Fla.; and nieces, nephews and cousins; and “Lake Trash,” a generationally growing group of loving family and friends he helped found in the 60s.

He was preceded in death by two sisters: Sandra and Sally.

There will be a celebration of Dave’s reputable life from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, July 26, at Eastlund Funeral Home in Syracuse. At 12:30 p.m., military honors will conclude his memorial service.

Memorial contributions may be made to: The Rare and Aggressive Cancer research, The Syracuse VFW, Easton’s college education, or the Tree House Fund.