Gardner S. “Gabby” McWilliams, 90, of Wareham, died Dec. 4, 2021, in Tremont Rehab. Center. He was the husband of the late Joyce A. (Pierce) McWilliams and the son of the late Francis and Emily (Morse) McWilliams.

He was born in Wareham and lived there all his life. He graduated from Wareham High School, class of 1949. He was a three-sport athlete while in high school, playing football, baseball and basketball.
He was an Army Veteran of the Korean War (’52-’54).

Mr. McWilliams began his career working at “MaBell” in Wareham and then as an Electrician for Washburn Electric in Marion and then as an Electrical Engineer Consultant for Thompson Consulting in Marion before retiring. 

He was a longtime member of the Benjamin D. Cushing Post 2425 in Marion and was a Past Commander on several occasions. He served as Massachusetts State Commander for the V.F.W. in 1983.  

He enjoyed traveling, gardening and was a volunteer for both the Wareham Gatemen and Wareham Council on Aging.

Survivors include 2 sons, Mark A. Holmes of Wareham and Thomas M. Holmes and his wife, Lisa of W. Wareham; a daughter, Sharon L. Niles of Bourne; a sister, Colleen “Coco” McAdams of Rochester; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces.  He was predeceased by his first wife, Gloria (Florindo) McWilliams, a son, Lawrence Holmes, Jr., and his siblings, Milton “Buddy,” Francis “Tuey,” Lorraine “Tilly,” Dana and Patrick “Patty” McWilliams and Ellen “Lynne” Westgate. 

A celebration of his life will be held in the Spring of 2022. 

Donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601. 

Arrangements are by Chapman Funerals & Cremations – WAREHAM, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com.