Tracy Mitchell Williams, 78, of Lake Frederick, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 7, 2026, at Winchester Medical Center.
Born on October 20, 1947, in Sarasota, Florida, Tracy was the son of the late George and Dorothy Williams. He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who valued his family and serving others.
Tracy served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1967-1969 and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with the Valor device and the Air Medal for his heroism during combat.
Tracy had a long and successful career as a test engineer at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, where he was respected for his ingenuity, technical ability, and commitment to his work.
Tracy was married to his wife, Bernadette, for 42 years. Together, they built a life filled with adventure, travel, and laughter. He was a steadfast father to his daughter, Emily, and a grandfather to his beloved grandchildren, Lexie, and Max.
Tracy took pride in being a provider for his family. He enjoyed being outdoors, fishing, building, and tinkering, and playing golf. He approached life with curiosity and a desire to understand how things worked.
Tracy had a sense of humor that was uniquely his own. He was generous and he often gave quietly. He will be remembered for his jokes, his determination, and the quiet ways he made a difference in the lives of those around him.
In addition to his parents, George and Dorothy Williams, Tracy was preceded in death by his brother, Rusty Williams, and his nephew, Troy Williams.
Tracy is survived by his wife, Bernadette Williams; daughter, Emily Williams (Matthew Schmaltz); grandchildren, Lexie, and Max; sister, Frances Doggett and extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.
If you wish to make a gesture in honor of Tracy, donations can be made to Mercy Ships or the Backpack Buddies Program at Rockland Community Church.
A memorial service will be held for Tracy on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 2pm at Rockland Community Church, 2921 Rockland Rd., Front Royal, VA 22630.
