David McWilliams
June 15, 1959 - July 27, 2016
Obituary
David P. “Dave” McWilliams, 57, of Platteville, died on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at his home, following a long illness. A celebration of life will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville. Pastor Pam Strakeljahn will officiate. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Platteville. Friends may call from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Dave McWilliams Memorial Fund. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com
Dave was born on June 15, 1959 in Platteville, Wisconsin, son of Louis and Eunice (Schwartz) McWilliams. He graduated from Platteville High School in 1978. Right out of high school Dave worked for Stan Wunderlin and in 1984 he went to work at Doug's Plumbing & Heating. While working for Doug Niehaus he was indentured into his apprenticeship in plumbing and in 1989 he became a licensed journeyman plumber. He then, for the past 20 years, worked for Bill's Plumbing & Heating. Dave was a jack of all trades, fixing anything for himself and helping others. For 33 years Dave served on the Platteville Volunteer Fire Department where he was a Captain.
Dave loved all kinds of racing, especially drag racing. That became evident 16 years ago when he formed McWilliams Racing Team. He enjoyed traveling and racing in the Midwest and in 2012 he won the Midwest Super Comp Championship. Dave was also voted Sportsman of the Year many times by his racing peers. In his final race in 2014, Dave won the coveted “Wally” trophy. Dave and Connie, over the years racing, met so many people who became like family to them away from Platteville.
Dave is survived by the love of his life, Connie Carbone; one sister, Jean (Gus) VanNatta of Platteville; two brothers, Jerry (Nadine) McWilliams of Springfield, IL; Harley (Deb) McWilliams of Platteville; Connie's children and grandchildren whom he loved as his own, Angie (Rick) Hoppert of West Allis, WI; Jaime (Aaron) Redfern of Windsor, WI; Tony (Jeanie) Carbone of Kieler, WI; grandchildren, Brady, Ava, and Grace Hoppert, Riley, Reece and Jackson Redfern and Jaydon and Jensen Carbone; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family would like to give a special THANKYOU to Duane and Carol Ward, the Platteville Fire Department, Dr. Hermann and his staff, and Grant County Hospice for all their care given to David throughout his illness.