Jack (John Cole, Jr.) Williams passed away on Sunday, September 4, 2022 at AdventHealth Winter Park.
He was born on January 20, 1938, in Lakeland, FL, the eldest of three sons, to Dr. John C. and Frances S. Williams. He grew up in Ocala, FL. He graduated from Ocala High School in 1955, where he excelled early in interscholastic sports until an injury from a horse-back riding accident ended his athletic career. Jack attended the University of Florida, receiving both a Baccalaureate and Juris Doctorate degree and being a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. While in law school he and his wife of 61 years, Idella (Dell) Kathryn Boyer, were married.
Upon completion of his law degree, Jack initially was employed by the US Government (Washington, DC and Ft. Pierce, FL). In 1968, he and Dell relocated to Leesburg, Florida where he served as a state attorney and city judge and also engaged in private law practice. During this time he and Dell raised their son, John, and daughter, Kathryn, both of whom went on to become University of Florida graduates. Jack was a devoted man of God and a member of Good News Church (Leesburg). Jack and Dell loved to travel and he always knew the ‘best little place off the main square” in every country they visited.
In addition to being passionate about his family and his dogs, Jack was a proud Floridian, an even prouder patriot and a devoted follower and financial supporter of Gator athletics. He and his family reckoned time by counting the days from the end of one college football season to the beginning of the next. Knowing he was able to watch the Gators beat the Utah Utes at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 3 gives his family comfort. After a stop in Lady Lake, FL to enjoy their retirement, Jack and Dell recently relocated to Winter Park, FL, to be nearer their daughter, Kathryn. Jack will always be remembered for his wit, jovial spirit and winning smile. He made friends readily and enjoyed a wealth of dear and deep friendships during his lifetime. Those of us who knew him were the lucky ones.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents Dr. John and Frances Williams and the younger of his brothers, Dr. Robert E. Williams, all of Ocala, Fl. He is survived by his wife, Dell, his children John and Kathryn (husband Devin), his grandson, Nicholas and his brother Jim (wife Paula).
Services will be at 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 15, 2022 at Beyers Funeral Home in Leesburg, with interment for family at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens and a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made to Good News Church in Leesburg https://gnc.churchtrac.com/give; Memo: Jack Williams- Missions and Mercies
