A POPULAR musician from a Wrexham village has died.

Rhos-born virtuoso John Raymond Williams F.R.C.O (Royal College of Organists), has passed away shortly after his 90th birthday.

He was organist at Bethlehem chapel, Rhos for more than 50 years and well known as a composer, Eisteddfod adjudicator and college lecturer.

Mr Williams was the first conductor of the new Rhos Orpheus Choir which was formed in 1957 and he set the high standards that the choir has striven to maintain.

He was taught by his uncle, John Williams F.R.C.O, a lecturer at Bangor University who also served as organist of Bethlehem chapel and was the tutor of Dr George Guest.

After leaving Ruabon Grammar School, Mr Williams studied music at Cardiff University along with fellow student Alun Hoddinot who became a frequent visitor to the Williams' home in Rhos.

A number of his compositions have been performed by the choir of St John's College Cambridge, where his close friend and fellow musician, Dr George Guest was the choir master and organist.

The hymn-tune 'David' , by Mr Williams, is often sung by congregations throughout Wales and is a lasting tribute to his skill as a composer.

His funeral will take place at Bethlehem Chapel, Rhos on Tuesday, July 17 at 1pm.