David Lavon Williams

David Lavon Williams, age 78 of Austell, passed away Monday, January 19, 2026 surrounded by his family. A celebration of his life will take place on Friday, January 23rd at 11 AM at Life Church Smyrna (4100 King Springs Road SE, Smyrna, GA 30082). Interment will be 11 am Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at the Georgia National Cemetery. Mr. Williams is survived by his wife Karen Fandrey, daughters Pam Williams of St Petersburg, FL, Kim Gramling (Daryl) of Dallas, sister Mary Etta Louise Hutto (John) of McDonough, grandchildren Daniel Wesley Gramling and Katherine Leigh Gramling, niece Sharon Strickland and nephew Rob Hutto (Patricia) along with great nieces, nephews and cousins. He was pre-deceased by his parents Fred and Alma Williams.

A lifelong prankster, David loved a clever practical joke and never lost that mischievous spark, even managing to make the nurses laugh in his final days.

As a young boy, when his older sister Mary tried to make him do something he didn't want to do, he responded by whacking her on the head with a stick. It was an early sign of the stubborn, opinionated, and sometimes cantankerous man David would become. He never met an argument he didn't like and was rarely swayed once he'd made up his mind.

In his wife, Karen, he met his match. She could go toe to toe with him, and together they shared many years of spirited debate, love, laughter, and adventures.

David served in the U.S. Army, where he learned to cook for the masses-a skill he carried proudly throughout his life. Breakfast was his specialty, and his French toast was a cherished weekend tradition for his daughters, a simple joy that became a lasting memory.

After the Army, David worked for many years as a heating and air conditioning technician and electrician, continually upgrading his knowledge and skills. Along the way, he made a new friend in nearly every home he visited. Driving through the Atlanta area, he could point out house after house and tell a story about the people who lived there. He was helpful, kind, and generous with his time-often going above and beyond, especially for customers who needed a little extra help.

He loved fishing, telling stories, and long drives-but only on back roads, never the interstate. Cars - old and new - were a lifelong passion. His idea of a perfect afternoon was wandering a car dealership, dreaming of what might be next. Even after he stopped driving, his notebooks were filled with pages of used cars he had researched. As a teenager, he drag-raced through the streets of Columbus, Georgia. He was immensely proud when his daughter Kim recently bought a Corvette and thoroughly flummoxed by his daughter Pam's little gray Prius.

He enjoyed spending time in the mountains of North Georgia, and when travel became difficult, he found peace sitting on his back deck, surrounded by trees. His faithful companion Mollie brought him great joy. So did his daughter's dog Finn - "my little buddy" - who David always asked about before asking how Pam was.

David was generous and hospitable – a man who would give you the shirt off his back if he thought you needed it. No one ever left his house empty-handed-he always found something to give you "to take home." He was smart, creative, and could figure out how to fix nearly anything.

David loved his family fiercely and was intensely proud of his grandchildren. He loved spending time with them, and his daughters became "chopped liver" once they were born.

He loved God and prayed every day for each person he loved-by name. He loved old gospel hymns, especially when sung by country music greats. Songs that moved him were carefully written down so he could share the words with those he loved. Though he could no longer attend church in person, he faithfully watched online and especially loved the livestream from Life Church Smyrna, where his daughter Kim is part of the worship team.

He loved barbecue, biscuits and gravy, and hot dogs-and despite his family's best efforts, refused to eat anything resembling what he called "rabbit food."

David lived life on his own terms, rarely backed down from an argument, and never missed a chance to tell a good story. His laughter, faith, generosity, and larger-than-life presence will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make contributions to the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org).

Carmichael Funeral Home in Smyrna is in charge of arrangements. www.carmichaelcares.com 770-435-4467.