C-130 production super killed in car wreck

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Carolyn Viss
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron lost a production superintendent Sunday at approximately 5:15 p.m. when Master Sgt. Andre Williams was killed in a car accident on Southwest Drive. 

Weeks from retirement, he lost control of his Ford Expedition, which flipped over into Elm Creek. 

"This is a tragic loss for the United States Air Force and Dyess Air Force Base," said Major Grant Izzi, his commander. "Sergeant Williams served his country honorably for more than 20 years and was within a few weeks of retirement. He was liked and respected by all who knew him, and he will be missed by this squadron as well as his many friends and Air Force family members around the world. Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to Andre's family and loved ones." 

Sergeant Williams was born and raised in Panama City, Fla. He graduated from Rutherford High School and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Feb. 9, 1987. After graduating from technical training for Aircraft Hydraulic and Pneudraulic Systems, he was assigned to Carswell AFB, Texas. Subsequent assignments included Taegu Air Base, Republic of Korea; Shaw AFB, S.C.; Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea; Eglin AFB, Fla.; and Kadena AB, Japan. Sergeant Williams arrived at the 317th AMXS in May 2006 and rose through supervisory roles culminating as production superintendent. 

During his career, Master Sergeant Williams was responsible for maintaining myriad aircraft. These include the KC-135, F-4, A-10, F-15, F-16, E-3, H-60 and C-130. He deployed in support of a multitude of operations such as Uphold Democracy, Provide Comfort, Northern Watch, Unified Assistance, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Horn of Africa. Some of the recognitions awarded for his dedicated efforts were the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal (posthumously), Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with silver oak leaf cluster and Valor Device, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with combat gold frame, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Korean Defense Service Medal. 

Sergeant Williams is survived by his wife, Cleopatra, and 3-year-old son, Deandre, of Angeles City, Philippines; his mother, Betty; and his brother, Jose, and sisters Consuela, Wanda and Delilah are from Panama City, Fla. 

"Andre's contagious smile, calm nature and enduring work ethic will be sorely missed by all," said Chief Master Sgt. James Collins, 317th AMXS superintendent. 

Editor's note: Chief Collins contributed to this article.