From Navy submariner to farmer, Valroy Williams continues a life of service

After more than 30 years in uniform, Valroy Williams was ready for a different kind of mission. The former Navy submariner and Army first sergeant traded military deployments for farm life, trading the demands of military service for the challenges and rewards of cultivating the land.

Today, he is building on that experience in a new way – pursuing an agriculture degree at UNC Pembroke while operating his own 17-acre farm in Red Springs.

Farming represents more than a career change. It represents freedom, a connection to his roots and an opportunity to serve his community in a different capacity.

Born in Trinidad and raised in Queens, New York, Williams joined the Navy just two months after his 18th birthday. A graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School, where he served as student government president, he followed a tradition of graduates entering the Navy and soon found himself on a path that would take him around the world.

Williams spent more than 11 years in the Navy as a sonar technician, serving aboard 11 ships, including the USS Los Angeles, USS West Virginia, USS Greenville and USS Montpelier.

“I loved it, absolutely loved it,” said Williams.

While serving, he earned a bachelor's degree from Marquette University before joining the Army National Guard. He later became a full-time recruiter and deployed with his unit to Baghdad. His military career included five combat deployments – four to Iraq and one to Afghanistan – along with assignments throughout the Middle East and elsewhere.

Williams, 63, retired in 2018 as an Army first sergeant at Fort Bragg, concluding more than three decades of military service.

But transitioning to civilian life presented a new challenge.

“I started a farm. I knew nothing about farming,” he said.

The idea, however, was not entirely unfamiliar. He grew up hearing stories about his great-grandfather, a farmer in Trinidad who cultivated cocoa and owned considerable acreage. Farming had long been a dream, and after connecting with another military member who was selling a farm, Williams saw an opportunity to make it a reality.

He purchased the property, equipment and animals, taking over the operation in 2018. Beyond Worth Farm has since grown into a diverse operation featuring goats, cattle, geese, ducks, rabbits, guinea fowl and 20 breeds of chickens. Williams and his wife, Angelie, also grow an assortment of produce, including gourds, bitter melon and specialty beans.

Building the farm has been a learning experience filled with successes and setbacks. Early attempts to raise meat chickens and turkeys were challenging, with predators taking a toll on his poultry operation. Williams eventually found his niche in raising goats and specialty poultry while continuing to explore new crops and opportunities.

He is quick to share the lessons learned along the way. When a group of UNCP agriculture students recently visited Beyond Worth Farm, Williams welcomed the opportunity to discuss not only what has worked but also the mistakes that helped him grow.

“I like sharing my failures so others can learn what not to do,” he said.

Williams’ interest in learning more about agriculture led him to UNCP, where he enrolled in the university’s Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program in August 2026.

Although he possessed years of hands-on farming experience, Williams recognized the value of a formal education in improving and expanding his operation.

For Dr. Jeff Beasley, Marion F. Bass Endowed Professor of Agriculture, Williams brings a perspective to the classroom that cannot be gained from textbooks alone.

“Valroy is a man of many talents and experiences,” Beasley said. “His military service sent him across the globe and allowed him to witness firsthand the agricultural products and practices of different countries. Valroy uses this knowledge to contribute to classroom learning. He helps students gain perspective not only on the importance of agriculture in the United States but also internationally.”

Beasley said Williams' presence reinforces the value of bringing military veterans' experiences and knowledge into the university classroom.

“Interacting with students such as Valroy confirms my belief that the experiences and knowledge of our soldiers have a place in the classroom at UNCP,” he said.

Beasley described Williams as a leader and mentor both inside and outside the classroom, noting his willingness to help other students learn from his experiences.

“He understands how important it is to help the next generation appreciate agriculture so they can meet the challenges agriculture faces today and, in the future,” Beasley said.

Williams is on track to graduate in 2028 and put his education to work streamlining farm operations, improving animal breeding and maintenance practices and making more informed decisions about planting and harvesting.

He sees a natural connection between military service and agriculture, particularly the independence and sense of purpose that farming can provide.

“When you leave the military, you are looking for freedom. You want to call your own shots, and farming allows you to do that,” he said.

On this Veterans Day, Williams reflects on the people he served with and the experiences they shared. For him, the day is about recognizing everyone who has worn the uniform, regardless of how long they served.

“Veterans Day means, because I've served so long, I remember all the people that I've served with. I remember the things we've done together,” he said.

He hopes people recognize the commitment behind military service and the sacrifices made by those who choose to put something above themselves.