Franklin K. Williams Jr.

1931 - 2022

BLACKSTONE - Franklin K. Williams Jr. of East Granville, Vermont, formerly of Blackstone, passed away just before sunrise on December 3, 2022, with his son and daughter by his side. He was 91.

Frank was born June 3, 1931 in West Springfield MA to the late Franklin Klaton Williams Sr. and Iris Gosselin) Williams. In his youth, he earned the nickname Zookie due to the volume of his snoring, which according to his family was as loud as a bazooka. He moved to East Granville on Columbus Day weekend in 1946 and spent his teenage years there working and playing hard with his many friends, especially his beloved brother David. He attended school first in West Springfield, MA and then in Randolph, VT but left before graduating to work in the woods of Vermont with David.

After joining the US Air Force, Frank was stationed in Germany and Turkey where he proudly served as an Air Police officer. He embraced the local culture wherever he went, made lots of new friends and had many adventures. Upon leaving active duty, Frank went on to serve in the New Hampshire Air National Guard, stationed at Pease AFB in Portsmouth. His rank of Master Sergeant and expertise in teaching disaster preparedness earned him the unofficial title of "Master of Disaster."

Though he did not finish high school, Frank was a lifelong scholar. He earned his GED while in the Air Force and later in life received a diploma from Randolph Union High School. He studied at American International College in Springfield, MA and graduated from the University of New Hampshire in Durham. He earned his Master's degree from Worcester State College in Worcester, MA.

Frank taught Junior High science in Vermont, New Hampshire and then at Blackstone Millville Regional, where he worked from 1974 until his retirement in 1996. Even after he retired from full time teaching, he continued to serve as a private tutor and substitute teacher. Frank was passionately dedicated to his profession, and through it impacted the lives of many students and colleagues.

Frank always loved gardening and could often be seen doing yard work at his long-time home on Blackstone St, Blackstone where he lived from 1978-2021. He loved spending time with friends, having a beer at the Fireman's Pub, and attending game suppers at the Rod and Gun Club.

Franklin was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Nancy Ada (Nelson) Williams. He was also predeceased by sister Julia and brothers Joseph, James, Donald, and David. He is survived by sons Stephen N. Williams of East Granville, VT and Franklin K. Williams III of Tempe, AZ. He is also survived by daughter Lynne E. Williams, her husband Steve Swift and grandsons Phoenix and Griffin Williams Swift, all of Charlotte NC. He was loved and will be fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family plans to host a Celebration of Life in the Blackstone area at a later date.