Carl Eugene Williams

Born in Powellton, West Virginia Carl died Sunday, September 18, 2011 at Florida Hospital in Altamonte Springs at 80 years old due to complications from surgery. Growing up, Carl was affectionately know as “Duke”. He had a family legacy of military service. His paternal grandfather, John Williams, fought for the Union Army in the American Civil War. He was present at General Lee’s surrender in 1865 at Appomattox, Virginia. His late brothers, John and Vernon fought in and returned safely from the Pacific Ocean and European theatres in World War II. They passed by one another on the road one day headed in different directions in Germany. Vernon fought at Omaha Beach on D-Day. Younger, late brothers, Charles and Donald Williams were in the U.S. Army towards the very end of the war. For that reason, they were not deployed. Too young to have served in that war, Carl joined the Air Force in 1951 and became a medic at Sampson Air Force Base in Upstate New York. During his career he was also stationed at Griffiss, Kessler, Ernest Harmon, Biggs (now Ft. Bliss), Gunter, Offutt, and U-Tapao Air Force Bases. His years of service spanned the Korean and the Vietnam War and he was in the Strategic Air Command (SAC). He retired at Patrick AFB in Brevard County in 1973. He then accepted a position with Pan American World Airways in the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean as a Medical Supervisor. In the same position he retired with Lockheed Martin in 1989 and returned to Central Florida. He loved to drive and often said he could drive anything. He could operate any type of vehicle from farming equipment, 18-wheelers, and rescue vehicles, to finally, a scooter. He loved Fords. His last love was a 40th anniversary red Ford Mustang. He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and his boundless generosity to and love for his family. His parents, John and Fannie Jane Williams, who he missed very much and often brought up in conversation, precede him in death. He is also predeceased by sisters Helen Young, Lola Akers, and Reba Coombs. He is survived by his immediate family, daughter and son-in-law, Charlotte and Bud Williams, his son, Scott and his wife Susan and their beloved children, Scott Austin and Audrey Ann. Also surviving Carl are his sisters, Nina Gibson and Jacqueline Gillispie and many nieces and nephews. All of us are heartbroken and will miss him very much. The family especially thanks our Mother, Dolores Stephens for her love, care, and support always. We would also like to thank his daily caretaker, Joyce Dane, for her kindness and care for Carl. We also thank everyone who has helped us during this difficult time. Many kindnesses have been extended to us and they have not gone unnoticed. Visitors can call on the family on Friday, September 23rd from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at DeGuispe Funeral Home on Highway 17-92 in Maitland. There will be a funeral Mass on Saturday at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Winter Park. Internment at Glen Haven Cemetery in the Garden of Peace will take place following the Mass. Arrangements are entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory 9001 N. Orlando Avenue, Maitland, Florida 32751, 407-695-CARE (2273).

Carl Eugene Williams

November 24, 1930 - September 18, 2011