David George Williams

David G. Williams
Bay City, Michigan
Our loving, joyful spouse, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, David George Williams, age 88, died May 22, 2024 at McLaren Bay Region surrounded by his family. He was born February 2, 1936 in Bay City, Michigan to the late George and Doris (Kloha) Williams. He graduated from TL Handy in the class of 54 and then continued his education with Mott College and Kettering University, formerly General Motors Institute. He joined the United States Air Force before settling with his career at General Motors. After 39 faithful years with GM, he retired in 1997. David married his best friend, formerly Shirley J. Kostus September 21, 1957 at First United Methodist Church. David and Shirley were blessed with two daughters who fueled his life with the addition of grandchildren.
Through the years, David was known for his jokes, pranks, funny lines and all around great personality that would brighten any room. Yet beneath his jovial exterior beat a heart of profound love - his gift to forge deep connections provided steadfast support to those who meant the most to him.
An avid outdoorsman who relished in adventure, from traveling Michigan with Shirley and their camper, around the United States, feeding and watching the birds or playing a game of golf and taking a couple minutes to slow down in Gulf Shores, Alabama, every winter. He truly loved being in the great outdoors. Most of all, he found his greatest joy in the beaming smiles of his grandchildren, traveling miles to bask in their presence and be their #1 fan cheering them on from the sideline, even if it was a thousand mile drive for 10 minutes of cheering!
David is survived by his wife, Shirley, daughters, Julie (Arthur II) Beffrey and Robin (Peter) Del Vecchio. Grandchildren, Michael Del Vecchio, Claire (Nick) Heeren, Reid Beffrey, Ryan (Haley) Beffrey, Paige Beffrey, Aubree & Averie Beffrey. Sisters, Mary Margaret (George) Lambert and Dorothy Lee Derocher along with many nieces and nephews.
David was preceded in death by his parents George and Doris Williams and brother in law, Donald Derocher.
Per the family's wishes, instead of flowers, those wishing to honor David's love of nature are invited to plant a vibrant maple tree as a living memorial or help contribute to the tree planting efforts of "A Tree to Remember '' through the ambroseandsquiresfuneralhomes.com. David has been cremated and a service date will be updated in the near future.