Donald E. Williams

The Rev. Donald Eugene Williams of Deltona, Fla. died Dec. 13 of cardiac arrest at Fish Memorial Hospital in Orange City, Fla. He was born on January 4, 1929 in DeLand, Fla.His passing marks a life that came full circle.Ordained in Christian ministry in 1962, Rev. Williams had a lifetime of service. He served in pastoral positions at churches in New York and Michigan before becoming an executive with the Church of God in Anderson, Indiana in 1976. His long service with the Church of God included Director of Minority Ministries then Associate Secretary of the Missionary Board and World Service. His responsibilities included directing programs that focused on diverse local congregations and field administration for the English-speaking Caribbean-Atlantic region.Highlights of his life of service included a world tour with literacy pioneer Frank Laubach in 1965-66 and participation in the historic Civil Rights march from Selma, Alabama to Montgomery in 1965 led by Martin Luther King Jr. in the cause of voting rights for African-Americans.Rev. Williams was well known in the churches and organizations he served as a warmhearted leader and gifted speaker. He served with several organizations, including Rotary International and Girls and Boys Clubs. He was a life member of the NAACP, and served on the board of trustees at Trinity Assembly of God in Deltona.

Rev. Williams had come back “home” to Central Florida several years ago. Even in retirement he continued a life of service by working as a volunteer chaplain for the Volusia County Sheriff’s Department and the Deltona Fire Department. He had worked previously as chaplain with law enforcement in Detroit, Michigan and in Indiana. In Volusia County, each morning officers would hear an inspirational message from Rev. Williams broadcast on their radios before they set off on their rounds.Throughout his life, his most cherished gift was the love of his family. Survivors include his wife, Leah K. (Pollard) Williams, a son, Donald E. Williams Jr., two daughters, Celeste J. Williams (husband, John Fisher) and Michelle A. Williams. A granddaughter, Cheyenne A. Williams, and a grandson, Michael Lawler, also survive. Other survivors include sisters, Gladys Williams and Dorothy Williams, both of DeLand, and many extended family members, friends and colleagues.A memorial service will be11 AM ,Monday, Dec. 19 at Trinity Assembly of God, 875 Elkcam Bvld., Deltona, Fla. Memorial contributions may be made in Rev. Williams’ name to:The National Multiple Sclerosis Society,P.O. Box 4527
New York, NY 10163 or to: Volusia County Sheriff’s Office Charity Committee,P.O. Box 2658,Daytona Beach, Fla. 32115 . Deltona Memorial Funeral Home, 1295 Saxon Blvd., Orange City, Florida is in charge of arrangements.