Benjamin Franklin Williams Jr.

Our dearly loved father, Benjamin Franklin Williams Jr, was born on Government Street in Pensacola just a few blocks east of Seville Square on May 6, 1927 to Benjamin F. Williams Sr and Bertha Harriet Carter. In his youth Daddy learned to play the guitar and has enjoyed entertaining friends and family with his music and his quick, yet gentle, wit. Three weeks after he met Bettie Carr, they were married. He said he never knew what she saw in a poor country boy. She said it was his sense of humor. She called him her “Cowboy and he called her his “Sugar Babe.” Daddy has always been able to find humor in every situation and quick little comebacks in setbacks. After serving in the Army during WWII and Korea, he moved his wife and children back to Pensacola. He was baptized as a member of the Church of Christ, and began working for the Department of Defense at NAS Pensacola. He was a Free Mason and a Shriner. In 1957 Ben moved his family to Gulf Breeze where he was one of the founders as well as the first president of the Gulf Breeze Youth Sports Association. He coached football and baseball and spent countless hours with the youth. Years later he built a home in Lillian, Alabama, on Perdido Bay, worked his way up to a GS15 at NAS Pensacola, and traveled to many Navy Bases both in and out of the US with his work. In 1969 as a logistician for the Navy’s aircraft he was transferred to Naval Air Systems Command in Virginia, and later to NAS Pax River, Md. It was in Pax River that he began square dancing and became a Square Dance Caller. He retired from the Department of Defense and moved back to their home in Lillian, Alabama where he continued to call square dances, and travel until his failing health became too much of an obstacle. His passions were his beloved wife of 69 years, his family, Naval aircraft and square dancing. He is a past president of the Florida Callers Association. He’s received many awards for his work with the Navy, and as a square dance caller. Among his awards is the Meritorious Civilian Service Award from the Navy. On Tuesday, Oct 4, 2016, at 89, our sweet Daddy’s body just plain wore out. He went to sleep and never woke up. Congestive Heart Failure. Nicknamed “Gentle Ben” by friends, Daddy died as he lived, gently, adored by his family and surrounded by people who love him. His great wit and sense of humor was in every conscious moment to the end, still trying to put a smile on our faces. Best man we’ve ever known. He never raised his voice nor his hand to his children, but our deep respect for this great man humbled us when he spoke two simple words, “I’m disappointed.” Ben is preceded in death by his “Sugar Babe,” Bettie A Carr, his loving mother Bertha H. Carter Bennett and his daddy, Ben Williams Sr.. Ben is survived by his son Gary R Williams (w. Carmen), of Perdido Key, FL. and his daughter Cindy-Rae Williams Jones (h. Tim), of Lillian, AL. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Benjamin Jones (Allison) of TX; Jason Williams (Tracey) of New Zealand; Seth Jones (Desiree) of NM; Hahni Jones of AL; Telipeti Fonua of AL and Shalice Jones Keppner (Brandon) of AZ. And precious to him are his great grandchildren Garrett, Kimball, Hyrum, Cameo, Jerrico, Ammon, McKaydee, Seighan, Kelsyn, TJ, Cass, Jorie, Thomas and Eden. He is also survived by his best friend, Dick Cooke, who he loves as a brother, and his wife Dee Cooke (Betties best friend, who she loves as a sister). Visitation will be held for two hours, starting at 12 Noon, Saturday, October 8, 2016 at Pine Rest Funeral Home 16541 U.S. Hwy 98, Foley, AL 36535. The funeral service will immediately follow the Visitation. Burial will be just a short walk from the Chapel, immediately following the service. To his square dance friends: As a tribute to Daddy and in lieu of flowers, we think he would love for you to put a smile on the day by wearing your favorite square dance outfits. And please, give your loved ones (and his) a “yellow rock” for him.

Benjamin Franklin Williams Jr.

May 6, 1927 - October 4, 2016