I moved to the Orlando area in January 2000 after retiring from the Navy.  Burt took a chance on me by giving me my first job.  He didn't want to hire me at first because he felt I didn't have the instructional design background he was looking for.  I assured him I could handle it, so he reluctantly gave me the job.  In my first year with the company, he rewarded me with four raises.  We worked together for 5 years and I can honestly say,  Burt was one of the best bosses I ever had.  He strongly encouraged me to get my doctorate, which I did... & probably wouldn't have it weren't for his coaxing.  We became close friends & kept in touch throughout the years.  My last contact with him was while he and Maryann were on a trip across the country in their new RV - he wanted Pete & I to join them since we also have an RV (the same brand, although ours is much smaller), but since I'm not retired, I couldn't afford the time off.  Burt could always keep me laughing & loved to rub it in that he was retired & I wasn't.  I was shocked to learn that my good friend had passed away so unexpectedly & I will truly miss him.  My heart goes out to you, Maryann and Christopher.  May God Bless you both.  RIP dear friend.

Maryann and I met when my family moved in one house down from hers while we were in the 4th grade. We became best friends right away. Her parents became second parents to me and mine to her.  Although we went to separate colleges, we stayed very close. I remember visiting Maryann at UVA and meeting Burt for the first time.  (They met at the officers' club near her home.).  Burt was serving in the army.  I instantly liked him.  Maryann was so happy when she was around him.  I had the privilege of being in their wedding thirty seven years ago. We got together many times over the years.   We were even stationed in Germany at the same time.  What Mike and I liked most about Burt was his unconditional acceptance of people.  He was extremely kind and generous.  He made us feel so special each time we visited.  Burt had a great sense of humor.  We always laughed a lot when we got together.   His unwavering service to our country extended into his retirement from the army when he started a service disabled veteran owned company training others.  Burt's love for Maryann and their son Christopher shone through in everything he did.  He was a supportive in-law to her mother and sister Jeanne as well.  Saturday we will celebrate his life through memories and tears. We loved Burt.  He will be greatly missed...but we will never forget him.

A recent quote from the inspirational calendar Burt gave me: "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." 
I always loved this time of year with him because he celebrated his birthday and then planned Halloween festivities including costumes, pumpkin carving, and pranking everyone he could with that moving snake and giant spider.
He absolutely crammed the life and joy into his years. 

Our first dinner in Peru was never meant to be our last one together.  No, you and Maryann had the bomb planned; celebrating our birthdays at a Chef's Table in Machu Picchu.  Because that's how you rolled Burt; both in your professional and personal endeavors you always gave more than 100%.  You built a successful company, led a blessed life traveling the world with your family; Christopher found his way in the Coast Guard and you guys were on your way.  We'll always be here for Maryann, Christopher and Jeanne.  But Burt, we're coming up there eventually too, so don't go too far too fast because we'll have to work really hard to catch up with you!

OBITUARIO

Gordon Burt Williams Jr.

2 octubre, 1954 – 28 septiembre, 2018

Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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