By Rebecca Goodman
Enquirer staff writer

MONTGOMERY - Ray H. Williams, founder of Ray Williams Inc., the oldest family business in Montgomery, died June 28. He was 97.

He started a sheet metal, roofing and heating business at 7813 Sycamore St. in 1928. After he retired in 1976, his daughter, Donna, and her husband, Bob Jackson, took it over. It is now run by the third generation.

Mr. Williams, who was born and raised in Montgomery, shared his recollections in History of Montgomery, Ohio 1795-1995, published by the Montgomery Historical Society in 1995.

His parents, Lydia and Harry Williams, moved to Montgomery in 1890. His father ran an express service - delivering packages in a horse-drawn wagon - between Montgomery and Cincinnati.

Mr. Williams attended Montgomery School and recalled hunting rabbits right outside of town when he was a youngster.

Two years after setting up his business, he married Laura Roosa. They built a house on Remington Road and lived in it for more than 60 years.

Mr. Williams was one of the original 14 founders of the Business Club of Montgomery in 1943 and held every office at least once. He went into business with Ladell Ferris, who owned a hardware store in Montgomery, and together they built the first subdivision in the town - some 20 houses on Ross Avenue and Campus Lane - in 1946. They also developed homes on Delray Drive - named for the two of them - and Donjoy Drive in Blue Ash.

The Montgomery Landmarks Commission and City Council declared the subdivision a "historic timepiece" at a ceremony in November 2002 during which they dedicated a plaque at the site, according to Jon Wade, member of the Landmarks Commission.

Mr. Williams was also Montgomery's first building inspector and was on the Montgomery Planning Commission for eight years.

Survivors include: his wife, Laura E. Roosa Williams; his daughter, Donna L. Jackson; four grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Services were held.