Fred Douglas Williams, Sr., 93, of St. Petersburg, Florida died on Thursday, April 24, 2008 at Palm Garden of Largo in Florida.
He was born in Shilo, Georgia on February 10, 1915, the son of Clarence and Robena Williams. Fred was raised in Columbus, Georgia where he attended local schools and later entered the US Navy during World War II. Following his distinguished service to our country, Mr. Williams was employed by Harry M. Stevens, Inc. in the catering business for the New York racing circuit, which included Aqueduct, Saratoga, Belmont, Roosevelt and Yonkers, and served as a union delegate and shop steward for the Hotel and Restaurant Employees Union of New York for many years. Mr. Williams was a Bridgemaster of the American Contract Bridge League, having attained and maintained an extremely high qualifying average in the game of Bridge.
He moved to Florida in 1999, and is survived by his wife, Marian, of St. Petersburg; his son, Fred D, Williams, Jr. and wife, Yvonne, of Gulfport, Florida; and his grandson, Darren C. Williams and wife, Sonte, of Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Williams’ military experience was instumental in the lives of his son and grandson; Fred. Jr. is a Marine Corps veteran and grandson, Darren, is an Army veteran. All the Williams’ have answered the call of duty for their country and have served with honor.
Memorial services will be celebrated from Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg, Florida on Friday, May 2, 2008 with the Rev. Moses Green officiating and the Navy Honor Guard presenting colors. Interment will follow the service there.
Arrangements entrusted to Veterans Funeral Care, 15381 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, Florida 33760
I learned an awful lot from Fred Sr., and am forever grateful to a personal hero.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Williams family in this time of grief.I know Fred Sr.has already started a bridge club in Heaven.
I am proud and honored to have been called, “his daughter”. I loved him dearly, and was blessed by his love in return. I bless the memory of wonderful times we shared as family.
You shall forever be cherished in my heart. I miss you already, but you are at peace at last.
Forever your daughter,
Arlene H. Churn
Sorry for your loss ,we have all of your family in our prayers. Peace be with you and please lets us know if there is any thing we can do to help during this difficult time.
Fred, I’d like to send my condolences on behalf of myself and the family. I’m sorry I can’t attend the memorial service, but you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I have fond memories of Fred, Sr. and the time I shared with him in the last chapter of his life which he lived with dignity.
Prayers and thoughts are with you during this time. Happy Darren will be in attendance. They were “road dogs”and great pals.May God be a source of strength.
Sincerely, June
I’m sorry I can’t be at the memorial but I will be there in spirit because my prayers and thoughts are with you. I love you grandpa.
Fred, May you and your family experience grace and love especially during this time of loss. Blessings.
May your father’s memory live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Our love is with you and your family.
Fred, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Fred, our condolences on your loss. On behalf of your friends and neighbors of the Embassy House we express our grief at this time of your sorrow.
Walter Germack and
The Embassy Board of Directors
My Deepest Sympathy
Janet and I are so sorry to hear about your dad, Fred. Our love and prayers go out to you and Yvonne and your mom. I know he must have been incredibly proud of you, Fred, and he must have been a great dad to raise such a great son. We love you, Fred; please let us know if there’s anything we can do for you.
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the entire Williams family. Fred Sr. blessed our life with joy,knowledge and wonderful memories filled with both love and admiration. He will truly be missed and we are so grateful that we were apart of his extended family. The scriptures tell us in 1 Corinthians 15:43-44: “Our bodies are buried in brokeness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. They are buried as natural bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies.” Until we meet again, we love you.
Marian, Freddie, Yvonne and family…
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Fred will always occupy a special place in our memories.
Fred,
I just received the sad news of your father’s passing from Susan Rinaldi. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Mary
Fred-so sorry for your families loss
What an honorable life your father led- you are in our prayers
Bob Neri-WestCare
To Fred’s family and especially my friend Delores Rush, my prayers are with you at the passing of Fred. He was a kind and interesting gentleman and I know that you will miss him. I had the pleasure of meeting him when Delores and Alfie lived in my hometown of Lansing, Michigan.
Blessings and peace to you all,
Lurecie M. Stokes
Fred, I know it is hard to lose someone you love. I know you know your dad lived a full life. thinking of you. Sandy
Fred,
So sorry for your loss. May your Dad and everyone who loved him know peace.
In loving memory of my beloved Uncle Fred. Thanks for a lifetime of wonderful memories.
“You Did it Your Way”.
Love you amd will miss you always,
Your favorite niece,
Dee
Fred Sr. was always loving, kind, and generous, and we enjoyed his sense of humor. We always had a wonderful time when he took all the Florida family out to dinner. We shall always have very fond memories of his gracious and delightful personality. We will treasure all of these happy memories.
I echo Mom’s Connie’s sentiments exactly, and I wish Marion and Fred and Aunt Yvonne the strength and fortitude of God’s love and guidance during this time of transition.
Love and kisses, Michele
Darren
Never met your grandfather but your stories brought him to life for me. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Buddy
To the Williams’ family, my deepest sympathies. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I serve with Fred Williams, Jr. on the Board of Directors for WestCare.
What a wonderful, interesting life Fred lead. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a blessing. Love and Peace, Georgine
My thoughts and prayers are sent in the most uplifting way to the family and friends of Fred Williams in the passing of Fred Williams,Sr. Without the limitations of a physical body, he remains with us all in spirit.
My thoughts are with you during this time of loss. Namaste.
Dear Fred,Jr., Marian, Yvonne and family,
It is with deepest sympathy that Dennis and I send this note. I remember our growing up in Columbus during the summer months and what a delight it was to be with you, and sometimes your mother and father. I have fond memories of Fred, Sr. and Dennis and I want to let you know our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will try to do better about staying in touch.
Your Cousins,
Bobbie and Dennis