TRIBUTES Proud Welshman and founder member of male voice choir
HE WAS a proud Welshman, a devoted family man, and a founding member of Abercynon Male Voice Choir.
Tributes have been paid to Terry Williams following his death earlier this month aged 69.
Born and raised in Herbert Street, Abercynon, Terry attended the Clock School as a child. After finding his first job in a local butchers, he went on to work as an administrator in the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff and was a retained firefighter in Treharris.
As a young man Terry met his future wife Gaynor. The pair moved to Edwardsville, where Terry lived for 38 years. Gaynor died four years ago.
During their four decades together, the couple went on countless trips to Porthcawl to enjoy the coastline.
A founding member of the Abercynon Male Voice Choir, father-of-three Terry remained a loyal and passionate member of the group until retiring six years ago due to illness.
Formed in 1970 at the former Junction Hotel in Abercynon, the choir has performed numerous concerts to raise money for charities including Ty Hafan, The Rowan Tree Cancer Care, The George Thomas Hospice [since renamed City Hospice] Appeal, Cancer Research and the Starlite Children’s Foundation.
The choir also travelled extensively, touring Brittany, Ireland, Canada, Scotland and Cornwall.
Alongside his dedication to the choir, the grandfather of five was a passionate supporter of Abercynon Rugby Club.
He will be remembered for his love of walking, and would often trek more than 10 miles a day.
Terry, who died on September 5, will be sorely missed by children Leanne, Neil and Sioned, daughter-in-law Suzie and grandchildren Cole, Mitchell, Lola, Caleb and Freddie.
Paying tribute, proud daughter Leanne described him as “smart, well-dressed, friendly, helpful to his neighbours” and “proud of his heritage”.
She said: “He was always there for his family and loved ones.”
His funeral will be held today at 10.45am in the Edwardsville United Reformed Church before moving to Glyntaff Crematorium. The service will be followed by refreshments in Abercynon Rugby Club. Donations to Kidney Foundation Wales are kindly accepted.