1926
William
2011
William M Williams
January 27, 1926 — May 7, 2011
William M. "Bill" Williams, passed away peacefully May 7, 2011 with his wife of 62 years and his three children by his side.
Bill was born Jan. 27, 1926 in Akron, Ohio, the only child of William and Marsene McKean Williams. Bill graduated from Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, where he played three sports: football, basketball, and baseball. He joined the United States Marine Corps immediately after graduation and did his basic training at Parris Island, S.C. He proudly served three years in the 6th Division of the U. S. M. C. and saw action in the Pacific. After the war, Bill attended the University of Miami, Ohio for one year before transferring to the University of Miami, Fla. where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism. Shortly after his graduation he began working for his father at the Akron Coca-Cola Bottling Company. The company was started by Bill's grandfather in 1878. Bill proved himself to be an astute and outstanding businessman and under his 34 year leadership as CEO of Akron Coca-Cola the company acquired 21 other bottling franchises. Bill was also the co-founder of Great Lakes Canning in Twinsburg, Ohio.
A community and civic minded individual, Bill was a member of several service organizations such as Jaycees, Rotary, and Kiwanis. He was also a member of the Akron City Planning Commission and on the board of Akron General Medical Center. He served the board of Trustees of Kent State University for 10 years, 1969-1979. In 2000 he received the University Medallion Award which was created to honor individuals who have contributed significantly to the University's well being. Bill was an avid and outstanding golfer, a member and champion of Portage Country Club and the Akron District Golf Association. In 1952 he was the prime mover for Akron hosting its first PGA event, The Rubber City Open. Bill loved English and History and was a student of the Civil War and World War II. His heroes included Robert E. Lee, Lord Admiral Nelson, and Winston Churchill. Bill valued being creative, doing good things for others, staying busy, and being a ``good citizen of the Republic'. He was a mentor to many and a true gentleman whose warm and friendly positive outlook was an inspiration to all.
Bill is survived by ``the best thing that ever happened to me', his loving wife, Mary Ann. He is also survived by his children, Thomas and his wife, Marchia of Atlanta, Georgia, Pat and her husband, Paul Milton of Munroe Falls, Ohio and Marsene and her husband, Dennis Pryor of Rutland, Vermont; and grandchildren, Ashley, Abigail and Benjamin Williams and Jessica and Andrew Pryor.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, with Rev. Amjad Samuel officiating. Private entombment at Rose Hill Burial Park. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1361 W. Market St., Akron 44313.
FAIRLAWN Chapel
Bill was born Jan. 27, 1926 in Akron, Ohio, the only child of William and Marsene McKean Williams. Bill graduated from Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, where he played three sports: football, basketball, and baseball. He joined the United States Marine Corps immediately after graduation and did his basic training at Parris Island, S.C. He proudly served three years in the 6th Division of the U. S. M. C. and saw action in the Pacific. After the war, Bill attended the University of Miami, Ohio for one year before transferring to the University of Miami, Fla. where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism. Shortly after his graduation he began working for his father at the Akron Coca-Cola Bottling Company. The company was started by Bill's grandfather in 1878. Bill proved himself to be an astute and outstanding businessman and under his 34 year leadership as CEO of Akron Coca-Cola the company acquired 21 other bottling franchises. Bill was also the co-founder of Great Lakes Canning in Twinsburg, Ohio.
A community and civic minded individual, Bill was a member of several service organizations such as Jaycees, Rotary, and Kiwanis. He was also a member of the Akron City Planning Commission and on the board of Akron General Medical Center. He served the board of Trustees of Kent State University for 10 years, 1969-1979. In 2000 he received the University Medallion Award which was created to honor individuals who have contributed significantly to the University's well being. Bill was an avid and outstanding golfer, a member and champion of Portage Country Club and the Akron District Golf Association. In 1952 he was the prime mover for Akron hosting its first PGA event, The Rubber City Open. Bill loved English and History and was a student of the Civil War and World War II. His heroes included Robert E. Lee, Lord Admiral Nelson, and Winston Churchill. Bill valued being creative, doing good things for others, staying busy, and being a ``good citizen of the Republic'. He was a mentor to many and a true gentleman whose warm and friendly positive outlook was an inspiration to all.
Bill is survived by ``the best thing that ever happened to me', his loving wife, Mary Ann. He is also survived by his children, Thomas and his wife, Marchia of Atlanta, Georgia, Pat and her husband, Paul Milton of Munroe Falls, Ohio and Marsene and her husband, Dennis Pryor of Rutland, Vermont; and grandchildren, Ashley, Abigail and Benjamin Williams and Jessica and Andrew Pryor.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, with Rev. Amjad Samuel officiating. Private entombment at Rose Hill Burial Park. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1361 W. Market St., Akron 44313.
FAIRLAWN Chapel
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