Garland Williams

Smokie Williams, 93, passed from this life on Thursday, December 3, 2020 at Mt. Pleasant Retirement Village, Monroe, Ohio. Garland was born to George and Mae Williams in Bonneyman, Ky, Nov 29, 1927. After graduating from First Creek High School at the age of 16, he attended Berea College, where he became Smokie. Yes, there is a story.

At age 18, the U.S. Army redirected his talents to Korea where he served with the Occupation Troops of Japan. A couple years later, he returned to Berea to finish his degree, play a lot of baseball for the Mountaineers, and marry Wanda Branham.

In the spring of 1951, the couple arrived in Middletown Ohio looking for summer employment. Smokie’s summer job at Aeronca lasted 20 years. His love of all things sports continued. He played for and coached the Aeronca Flyers softball and basketball teams, took up golf at Wildwood and tennis at the Middletown Tennis Club. He attended all the Middies games as long as he was physically able.

Smokie was a vital part of church life and leadership at the First Baptist Church; teaching classes, serving on boards, and quietly dispensing wisdom as needed. He earned an MBA from Miami University and continued his career as Senior Systems Analyst at Mosler Safe Co. in Hamilton.

Smokie was defined by his sharp, but subtle, sense of humor and ready smile. He found great joy in little everyday things. Dogs loved him. Family was always most important. He most wanted to be remembered as a good man. He succeeded.

Smokie is survived by Wanda, his wife of 71 years, daughter Kathryn Sloan of KC, Missouri, and son Gerald Williams of Glendale, Ohio. Grandchildren: Jesse Sloan, Jared (Heather) Sloan, Jackson (Denise Miller) Williams, Claire Williams, and Bailey Williams. Four great grandchildren: Finley & Olive Sloan and Wyatt & Nora Williams. He was preceded in death by his parents, George & Mae Williams and sister Evalee Hensley all of Middletown.

A celebration of life service will be scheduled for a future date. Donations in his memory will be welcomed by Hospice of Butler & Warren Counties, 5940 Long Meadow Drive, Franklin, OH 45005 or First Baptist Church of Middletown, 4500 Riverview Avenue, Middletown, OH 45042.