Bernard I. Williams, 88, of Pasdaena, died of natural causes Feb. 13 at Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie after a lengthy illness.

Born May 4, 1917, and reared in Baltimore, Mr. Williams was a survivor of the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. His family said he was the youngest person to make chief bosun's mate of his time.

He worked for Kennecott Company for many years.

He was a member of the Fleet Reserve Club and St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Severna Park since its founding.

Mr. Williams enjoyed volunteering for many humanitarian efforts, the Baltimore Orioles baseball team and the water.

The widower of Mary Williams, he is survived by two sons, Alex and John Williams of Pasadena; one sister, Margaret Cohen of Baltimore; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Thomas Williams.

Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today at Barranco and Sons Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Highway. Services will be at 11 a.m. tomorrow at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Cypress Creek Road and Ritchie Highway, Severna Park. Burial will be in Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 1122 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, P.O. Box 304, Maryknoll, NY 10545. Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com

As published in The Capital Newspaper on 2/16/2006