MEMPHIS, Tenn. — An Air Force veteran reportedly died after trying to save his service dog during a fire at his Midtown home.
The Memphis Fire Department says 67-year-old Raymond Williams died after a fire at his home on Union Avenue Extended Wednesday night.
Williams was reportedly able to rescue his 80-year-old father from the fire and went back into the burning building to try to save his beloved service dog.
Williams was pulled from the burning home by Memphis firefighters but later died from smoke inhalation at Regional One. His dog also died.
Williams’ former churchmate, Ms. Hill, didn’t want to speak on camera but says Williams, also known as “Bullet,” was behind a popular Christmas lights display at his home.
“Most beautiful,” Hill said. “People would ride through and see the lights, just beautiful. And that’s who he was. He was a beautiful gentleman.”
For years, Williams’ over-the-top yard and Pittsburgh Steelers decorated truck made a statement in the community. Don Barnett, the artist behind the Pittsburgh Steelers design on Williams’ truck, is devastated by the loss of his friend.
“Wery good man, I’m going to miss him,” Barnett said. “He loved his team and his dog.”
Williams’ friend Edward Stacks says the dog was Williams’ best friend.
“Bear would ride in the front seat and everyone would come in the store and pet him. Very nice man, never met a stranger,” Stacks said.
The Memphis Fire Department says the fire was caused by an electrical malfunction in the carport.
