I am so sorry to read this. I hope his loved ones realize and cherish the fact that he profoundly impacted so many lives in such a positive way. I don’t remember a lot of my past teachers at John F. Kennedy (Class if 80) but he was impossible to forget, as an educator, coach, and solidly a class act. RIP Mr. Williams

Kelly Smith Sexton
June 19, 2022

I am so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed my friendship with Diane and Gary. I can still hear his booming laugh. It always made me feel good. I am sorry I won’t be able to attend the visitation. Just know my thoughts are with you at this sad time.

Alice Wilkinson
June 19, 2022

So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Williams. He was my favorite PE teacher and Mrs. Williams my favorite second grade teacher at Wright. My thoughts are with you all at this very sad time.

Anjee (Anderson) Kutz
June 19, 2022

In a person's lifetime you may have met only 1 or 2 people that impact your life and Coach Willie was that person for me. He was like my father in a time in my life that I could go visit him and talk about anything and he kept me focused on what was important. 45 plus years later, he still would check on me at my shop, ask about my mom and dad, cause I was always his favorite and he was that to me. Tears are flowing as I wish I had one more talk with my coach and lifetime friend. Thank you so very much Diane, Tammi, and Todd for sharing coach Willie with us all. He was always a great inspirational man and I will never forget him. Thanks Coach for always telling me I was number one. You were too!

Jennifer Goodlove
June 19, 2022

Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Diane, Todd and Tammy, I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of Gary. He was a wonderful man and father and a great friend to my family. He will be greatly missed. Gretchen Schneider Kopecky

Gretchen Schneider Kopecky
June 20, 2022

There are a few teachers who bring back fond memories and who made an impact on my life. Mr Williams was one of them. He was the gym teacher at Erskine Elementary. It must have been his first teaching job out of college. He was encouraging, fun, enthusiastic, professional, and motivating. His positivity and creativity were contagious. I’m sure you had a meaningful influence on many students during his teaching career. Grateful for teachers like him. Sending condolences to your family as you celebrate a life well-lived. RIP, Mr. Williams.

Diane Nemmers Stefani
June 20, 2022

I was so saddened to read about Mr Williams this morning. I graduated in 88 and Mr Williams was by far one of the BEST teachers/person at Kennedy! He made PE FUN and he will never be forgotten.

Joanne Pontius-Bauer
June 20, 2022

Coach Williams had a profound effect on me as a member of the 1979 State Volleyball team. He had the ability to make each of us feel that we were unique and special, and we believed him! What a gift!! Throughout my years as an educator, I never forgot that lesson and tried my best to do the same. You taught me that. Rest in a peace, Coach. You will be missed.

Karen Carson Beer
June 20, 2022

Mr. Williams, beloved gym teacher at Erskine Elementary. He made gym class FUN. I remember him having to help Ann Roseland release her hands from the bar after breaking "the record" with the "bent arm hang." Great teacher.

Barb Christian
June 20, 2022

I was so sorry to learn of Coach Williams' passing. I was privileged to have him as my volleyball coach at Kennedy. He was such a kind and laid back man, but at the same time was an excellent and inspiring coach who was key to our success in winning the 1979 State Volleyball Championship. I am sorry I will not be able to attend the services due to illness, but will pray for peace and comfort for his family. RIP Coach

Diana Greenwood Walterman
June 21, 2022

So sad to hear of Coach Williams’ passing! I was one of those lucky ones to be part of his 1979 State Championship Volleyball team at Kennedy. I remember one important match where we lost the first 2 games in a best-of-5. Coach came to the huddle and simply said, “Well, you’ve got a lot of work to do” and then sat down at the end of the bench. He knew what we needed at that moment was to come together as a team, dig deep, and do the work – no panic, no drama. We came back and won the match. He was a wonderful coach and an inspiring leader who empowered each person to be their best. He had a huge impact on so many! Sending deepest condolences to Diane, Todd, Tami, and your whole family.

Lori Dye Condon
June 21, 2022

So sad to hear of Coach Williams’ passing! I was one of those lucky ones to be part of his 1979 State Championship Volleyball team at Kennedy. I remember one important match where we lost the first 2 games in a best-of-5. Coach came to the huddle and simply said, “Well, you’ve got a lot of work to do” and then sat down at the end of the bench. He knew what we needed at that moment was to come together as a team, dig deep, and do the work – no panic, no drama. We came back and won the match. He was a wonderful coach and an inspiring leader who empowered each person to be their best. He had a huge impact on so many! Sending deepest condolences to Diane, Todd, Tami, and your whole family.

Lori Dye Condon
June 21, 2022

Heartbroken to see the passing of Mr. Williams. Always took his gym class at Kennedy because he was so much fun, and made my friends and I, who were not athletic jocks, still feel special and capable. It was always a contest to get him to laugh although some days just his smile was enough. Then I found out he was also a Kohawk while attending football games when I was at Coe-made me feel even happier that I had that in common with one of my favorite teachers. My deepest condolences to his family.

Lori Schmidt Manzel
June 21, 2022

Gary my friend, Thanks for getting my rudder in the water after the Marines It was wonderful having you as a colleague. Bless you.

Harvey Hop
June 24, 2022

Big Guy. You will be missed.

daniel j greenwood
July 3, 2022

Big Guy. You will be missed.

daniel j greenwood
July 3, 2022

I was fortunate to have Mr. Williams for a gym teacher at Erskine and then also as a gymnastics coach for CRGC back in the 1960's. He was so patient and always challenged us to do our best. He also taught us square dancing, which was such fun but so unexpectant. I have never known anyone else to have taught that in grade school. Just a wonderful man that I'm sure will be missed by his family and many others. My deepest sympathies.

Sue Tilden Adams
July 5, 2022