Geoffrey Grant Williams

"Lord, I was born a ramblin' man

Tryin' to make a livin' and doin' the best I can"

Geoffrey Grant Williams of Raleigh, NC died on June 16, 2024 as he lived - on the road in Paris, with family close by. He was a loving husband, a dedicated father, and an absolutely extraordinary Pop to his grandchildren. Geoff left a lasting impression on everyone he met - just over six feet tall, a larger than life personality, the kind of person who slapped his knees while laughing and did so often. He was always in pursuit of something good to eat, gleefully asking what's for breakfast while sitting around the dinner table, and most likely to be found in the kitchen telling everyone who came across his path to "eat while it's hot!"

Geoff cared deeply about the world, having spent most of his life working in global accounts. His work travels took him to France, Denmark, China, India, and so many other countries in-between. But even with such a wide-reaching life, he was never far from home and took pleasure in the simple things. In his own words: "Perfect happiness is being with a big group of close family and friends, hopefully with lots of food and continuous laughter whether you are playing a game, eating a meal, on a trip, or just hanging out. Making each other laugh is the big thing!!"

Geoff is survived by his wife Mary Ann, his daughter Catherine (along with her husband, Tristan, and children, Ainsley and Parker), his son Grant (along with his wife, Charlotte, and children, Duncan and Spencer), his sister Barbara, his brother Larry, and an extended crew of family and friends because he cast his net wide and was a welcoming presence to all who knew him.

Geoff was a diehard NC State fan and alum - as his granddaughter aptly pointed out, "some Pops wear NC State shirts, some Pops don't. My Pop wears a lot of NC State shirts." With this in mind, his family will host a Celebration of Life at the NC State Park Alumni Center (2450 Alumni Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606) on Monday, August 5, 2024 from 11:30am to 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Geoff's honor to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina (1924 Capital Blvd, Raleigh NC 27604).

"And when it's time for leavin', I hope you'll understand

That I was born a ramblin' man"