Kenneth Williams Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Bevis Funeral Home - Tallahassee on Nov. 12, 2022.
Kenneth Leslie Williams, a longtime Tallahassee resident, passed away at his home on November 10, 2022 surrounded by family. Born in Ft Lauderdale, he was the only son of Leslie "Les" and Betty Williams. After the sudden loss of his father Les when Ken was 19, he left college to begin working at his father and mother's company, Williams Communications, Inc. He would later become President and CEO.
Several years later, while at a bank to acquire a loan to grow the business, he met his true forever love, Alexandra "Sue" Albrecht. They married August 28,1976. Ken and Sue then started Williams Metro Paging Company during the beeper boom. That company was later sold, but they kept Williams Communications, Inc. After more than sixty years in business and with the help of his incredible team, Williams Communications, Inc. continued to evolve from Les and Betty, with a few employees, to today, still family owned with over 100 employees and offices throughout the southeast. He was an exceptional businessman, loved his employees tremendously, worked hard and took pride in all he did.
Ken devoted so much of his life to his business and supporting first responders. However, Ken had a passion for being on the water since he was a young boy. Whether in St. Marks 'putzing' up the river on one of his boats, or deep sea billfish tournament fishing anywhere out in the Gulf of Mexico. Ken's family was immersed in his love of the water and learned much from him, along with many great memories. Later in life, Ken really enjoyed bird hunting with his son-in law and friends. Ken was exceptional in the kitchen. Famous for his roast beef, crown roast or his famous citrus butter sauce served with Stone Crab. He loved cooking enormous meals and showed generous hospitality for many friends and family any day of the week, but particularly enjoyed cooking for the holidays. He cherished his time spent learning from Chef Albert in his kitchen many years ago.
Most of all, he just enjoyed his family and dear friends, and loved being with them. He was so proud of his girls and cherished being "Papa" to his grandchildren. He was the house boo-boo bandager, the secret admirer every Valentines Day when he sent roses, loved to take his daughters hunting for arrowheads or fishing for blue marlin. He was teacher of good character and work ethic, and as patient as ever. He loved his son-in-law Tony like his own son, as they enjoyed many hobbies and special talks together. He adored his wife Sue with everything he had, always the romantic and going overboard for any occasion to make her feel extra loved. Sue was his very best friend and confidant in everything in life.
He could change the mood in a room for the better in an instant. He had a particular gift of making people feel very special. He gave whenever and wherever he could. He worked hard and played hard. He lived an incredible life.
He is preceded in death by his parents Les and Betty Williams and sister Nancy Anderson. He is survived by his wife, Sue Williams, daughters Hilarie Geraldi (Tony), Heather Williams and grandchildren Charley and Leslie. He is survived by his sisters Karen Koenig and Jennifer Williams and chosen brother Jay Wilkinson, his longest friend since 3rd grade, two great Aunts Shirley Stout and Marjorie Fiorenza, nephews and nieces and many dear cousins and many wonderful, wonderful very dear friends.
A graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 18, 2022 at Roselawn Cemetery, Piedmont Drive, Tallahassee
Memorial contributions may be made to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa.
The family will forever be grateful for Brian Delaney and all the incredible care from Visiting Angels, truly our Angels over the last several months.
A very special thank you to Rev Gene Strickland, Founder and Lead Pastor of the First Responders Initiative.
Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.