Francis K. 'Smokey' Williams

Francis K. "Smokey" Williams, age 90, of Lanier Village Estates, Gainesville, GA died in his Willow Brooke Court residence on July 17, 2013.

Smokey was born in Lynchburg, VA on February 17, 1923. He received a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. He was a Jeffersonian. Smokey was a Navy pilot with the United States Naval Reserve for twenty years and was recalled to active duty three times, serving during World War II, the Korean War and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was based out of Jacksonville and Miami, FL. He also served with the Federal Aviation Administration in Miami and Orlando, FL. for over 30 years. When he retired at 65 he was the Deputy Chief of the FAA Orlando Tower at the Orlando International Airport. He was always an active member in his local church. In Winter Park, FL, he was Council President of St. John's Lutheran Church. Retiring to Sky Valley, GA, he was Council Member and President for a number of years at Sky Valley Chapel. Smokey was happily married for fifty-nine years to Bette; together they raised three daughters; Cheryl Ann, Cynthia Lynn and Christine Marie. Smokey was grandfather of five; Don Saunders III, Caroline Saunders, Catherine Riley, Frances Chase and Paul Chase, Jr.

A Memorial Service for Smokey will be held at the Sky Valley Chapel on Monday, July 22, 2013 at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Smokey Williams Memorial Fund for the Sky Valley Chapel he was so much a part of for so many years. To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA, 770-932-1133.