Elden Michael "Mike" Williams, 74, of Elizabethton, also known as "Trashcan," passed away peacefully with family by his side at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center on Monday, May 18, 2026, after a long, courageous battle with COPD. He was born on January 8, 1952, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Leslie J. and Arizona Carver Williams. Even on his hardest days, his main goal was always to bring a smile to your face. He refused to let his illness steal his joy, constantly cracking jokes and doing his best to make everyone laugh, no matter how bad he felt.

A proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Mike carried that strength with him throughout his life. He was a master auto mechanic who could fix just about anything, and he had a lifelong passion for the freedom of the open road and Harley Davidson motorcycles. But above all his titles, being the absolute best husband, dad, and papaw was what mattered to him most.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Allen L. Williams; two half-brothers, Bobby Hyder and Randal Hyder; two half-sisters, Zelma White and Ivalea Presley; and several close friends.

Mike leaves behind the love of his life and wife of 53 years, Debra Williams; his three daughters, Krisna Bowlin, Michelle Salyer (and her husband, Chad), and Rene Miller; his brother, Leslie D. Williams; and his three cherished grandchildren, Chelsea Oaks, Mindy Sciortino (and her husband, Gavyn), and Caiden "Buttons" Williams, who was his buddy and held a very extra special place in his heart. He also leaves behind his close friends, Tony and Kathy Nave, and a lifetime of laughter shared with everyone who knew him.

We will miss him more than words can say. Our family would like to extend our deepest, most heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center. Their exceptional care, comfort and compassion they provided during his many hospital stays made it a little easier for him and for us. Semper Fi, Dad. You made our world a whole lot brighter.

Graveside Service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 2026 in Mountain Home National Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Family and friends will assemble at the cemetery at 1:50 p.m. Thursday prior to the graveside service. Condolences may be sent to the family at our web-site www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.

Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Williams family