George Williams

Oh, good heavens...I am just seeing this. No one was stricter or had higher standards for me than Dr. Williams. Every day when there is a deadline or assignment, I immediately flash back to his vigorous expectations, sometimes scathing critiques, and occasional stinting praise. I was 72 when he passed but will continue (as did he) to work. But we must reference that play he taught to his graduate students: "The oldest hath borne most; we that are young. Shall never see so much, nor live so...

George and Harriet were our close neighbors on Sylvan Road. My late husband Ron and I enjoyed many conversations with them, admiring George's wit and knowledge. I am sorry that he has passed, but happy that he lived such a long and full life.

Professor Williams taught me to understand Shakespeare in a new way and deepened my appreciation of literature. With his kind, gentle manner he taught more than English. He modeled an important way of being in the world that has influenced my life.

Sending you much love, John Moses and cousins We've sent a contribution to the American Shakespeare Center

George was a real southern gentleman--maybe the last of his kind! He will be missed by many of us--friends, fellow scholars, and of course his family, to whom I send heartfelt condolences.

Friend George, I will miss your scholarship, wit, and kindness, and also that we thought of each other as cousins although we were not, in fact, related. I am happy and proud to have known you.

Dear dear George. You live in my teaching and in my scholarship and, I hope, in the ways I treat and mentor my junior colleagues. Thank you for being a mentor to an always uncertain young scholar. I will carry you in my classrooms and my research and in my heart. Harriet-all my love.

So very sorry to hear of George's passing. But he had a long life, well lived. I will miss seeing him at Williams Family Reunions.