George David ‘Dave’ Williams

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Father, Grandpa, G-Pa,  Husband and Brother on August 29th, 2025, in Sarasota, FL. He was a remarkable man whose life was defined by hard work, dedication, adventure, and service to others.

Dave was born in Honesdale, PA on December 2nd, 1934, to George S. Williams and Justine E. Williams. They moved to North Chili, NY when Dave was a teenager where he graduated from high school and college at Roberts Wesleyan College and was a member of  Pearce Memorial Free Methodist Church.

After graduating from college in 1957, he married Edith (Edie) Smith and then enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he excelled in the use of statistics at the Army War College in Carlisle, PA. While serving in the Army, his daughter, Michelle (Shellee), was born.

Post-Army, Dave and Edie settled in North Chili where their son, Timothy (Tim) was born.  For his entire career, Dave worked for a series of companies focused primarily on optical and quality engineering in and around the Rochester area. He finished his career working for a former division of Bausch & Lomb at the age of 62.

He was a proud Army Veteran and wore an Army Vet hat often, reveling in the many thank yous he received. He could also fix anything – if he couldn’t fix it – nobody could. He was infamous for tinkering until something worked or to understand how it worked.

Outside of his professional life, Dave found joy and peace in nature. An avid hunter, he cherished countless moments in the woods with his parents, son and lifelong friends. He hunted continuously until he was in his late 70’s. His love for water sports was equally profound. Whether it was boating, water skiing, sailboarding, scuba diving, fishing, kayaking or swimming, he delighted in every opportunity to be on or near the water. He loved teaching others how to also water ski, sailboard, snorkel and fish. Our family has many fond memories of camping in our truck camper and spending time at the cottage at Lighthouse Christian Camp.

As a true Williams, Dave loved to eat but wasn’t much of a chef. He could, however, make delicious pancakes and sausage. Dave’s grandchildren still talk about the many pancake breakfasts with Grandpa at the helm of the pancake griddle on Saturday mornings. He also developed a talent for pumpkin pie and corn bake when he needed something to take to a potluck.

Dave’s generosity extended well beyond his family and profession. As a dedicated volunteer, Dave gave his time and energy to causes close to his heart. He believed in helping others and making a difference, quietly impacting many lives through his compassion and selflessness. He spent many years working on the sound systems at Pearce Memorial Church and Lighthouse Christian Camp. He also enjoyed doing a men’s Bible Study outreach at a local prison. After he retired, he and Edie spent 17+ years on 56 projects with the SOWERS (Servants On Wheels Ever Ready) organization all over the US from Maine to Florida to Arizona. He and Edie functioned as Group Leaders for 14 of those projects. He was particularly proud of the time spent and work accomplished. The last 15 projects were in Lake Wales, FL which led Dave and Edie to eventually buy a condo there.

When Edie passed away in 2020 after 62 years of marriage, Dave decided to become a full-time Florida resident. He was blessed enough to find love again and married Carolyn (Carol) Goulds, also of Lake Wales, FL at his second church home, First Baptist Church, in Lake Wales in 2022. They were married for almost 4 years filled with lots of love and laughter.

Dave was predeceased by his parents, George and Justine, wife, Edie, and grandson, Michael. He is survived by his daughter, Shellee (Larry), son, Tim (Pam), granddaughter,  Jessie (Kyle), grandsons, Ryan (Nicole) and Joe (LeighAnn) and great-grandchildren, Rogan, Lillian, Cassie, and Ben. He is also survived by his wife, our stepmom, Carol, and his brother, Friend.  

A graveside ceremony will take place at the North Chili Rural Cemetery, Buffalo Rd, North Chili, NY at 11:30 am on October 25th, 2025. Please use the parking lot entrance available from Orchard Street near the intersection of Buffalo Rd.

Dave, our Father, Grandpa, G-Pa, Husband and Brother will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Dave Williams to benefit the music ministry/soundboard fund to:

First Baptist Church

Attn: Jan Pitman

50 S 4th St

Lake Wales, FL 33853

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