Gerard “Gerry” Joseph Williams

Gerard (Gerry) Joseph Williams was born on April 24, 1947 in Buffalo, NY.  He was the son of Augustine Williams of Buffalo, NY and Maxine Butler of DuBois, PA. After enlisting in the United States Coast Guard and while stationed in Washington DC, he met the love of his life, and on September 15, 1967 Gerry married Elizabeth (Betty) Jennings of Pittsburgh, PA. Together, they welcomed daughters Geraldine (Geri) Rivera-Vigo (Rafael) and Jennifer Millheim.

During his time in the USCG, Gerry served as a Flight Engineer and rose to the rank of Master Chief (E9) which took his family to Elizabeth City, NC, Detroit, MI, Ewa Beach, HI & finally Clearwater, FL. Gerry traveled around the world while enlisted in the USCG and loved to share all of his exciting and funny stories about his trips upon his return.

As a family, Gerry enjoyed traveling, playing tennis, and taking his beloved dog Roxy for walks. However, his favorite pastime was playing golf with his wife and friends. Gerry also loved to cook and bake.  He was known for his cookies, cinnamon rolls, potato rolls, and especially his homemade cheesecake!  Every year Gerry and Betty would open their home to family and friends on Christmas Eve where they would share and give away his very popular baked goods. Gerry also loved to play cards and enjoyed teaching everyone how to play Shanghai Rummy!

After retiring from the USCG as an ADCME9, both Gerry and Betty worked for the US Postal Service.  After retiring from the USPS, they built their dream home in Murphy, NC.  They always looked forward to spending time there and welcomed friends and family to visit and explore the region.

Gerry passed away at the age of 72 on September 11, 2019 in Clearwater, FL at Suncoast Hospice surrounded by his family. He was predeceased by his parents and grandparents and survived by his wife, daughters, two grandchildren; Joshua Williams and Joseph Millheim, four siblings: Thomas Williams (Sue), Patrick Williams (Cherie), Margaret Williams and Maryanne Zissimopoulos (Nick), as well as many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Light of Christ Catholic Church in Clearwater, FL on Friday, October 4, 2019 at 10 am followed with a Military Service at Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg, FL at 12:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association for research at the following website https://act.alz.org/goto/Gerry_Williams