Big Stone Gap, VA – Ballard Dale Williams, 73, passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026 at his home. Born in Appalachia, VA, he lived most of his life in Big Stone Gap. He was a coal miner with Westmoreland Coal Co., among others, during his mining career. He also worked for Heritage Hall Healthcare in maintenance for several years. He loved farming, horses and cattle, and had a fond love of pugs. He presently had “Fudge”, whom he dearly loved. He was a Christian.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Elizabeth “Mary Beth” Williams; parents, Ballard and Willie Mae (Bouton) Williams and brother-in-law, Thomas Wade.
Dale is survived by his daughter, Dr. Christine Mullins (Gary) of Big Stone Gap, VA; stepson, Christopher Farmer of Big Stone Gap, VA; siblings, Charles Wayne Williams, Karen Faye Wade and Sandra Williams all of Big Stone Gap, VA; grandsons, Logan Mullins (Cori) and Cory Mullins; step-granddaughters, Trinitee Farmer, Patience Farmer and Kiyanna Cooper; niece, Shelly Wade and three special cousins, Roger Williams, Janet Chandler and Mark Williams.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA. A UMWA Service, by the UMWA Subdistrict Chaplain Corp., will be held at 1:00 pm.
The graveside service will follow at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens, 5650 Powell Valley Road, Big Stone Gap, VA with Lowell “Cotton” Gardner, Jr. ministering. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Dale Williams.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.