Donald Edward Williams

Donald Edward Williams passed away February 25, 2024, the day before his 72nd birthday. Born February 26, 1952, Don was the second son of Nathan Roberts Williams (of Amite, Louisiana) and Louise Alexander Buford Williams (of Nicholasville, KY). Don spent his youth enjoying the small-town treasures of picturesque Nicholasville, Kentucky.

He was president of Jessamine County High School Class of 1970, an honor that brought him immense pride. He graduated a semester early and pursued the study of French via correspondence courses not offered at his school. For years after graduation, he enjoyed organizing reunions and catching up with old friends.

Don went on to graduate from the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law (class of 1983). He was admitted to the Kentucky and Indiana Bar Associations in 1984, the same year he celebrated the birth of his first child. He went into private practice and ran a successful law office for the past 35 years.

Always ready with a joke, Don was known for his sense of humor. He relished providing a laugh for his friends, teasing the clerks and deputies at the courthouse, and lightening up a difficult time for his clients. Sunglasses and colorful shirts became his signatures in court, and his regular motorcycle rides around town always featured friendly waves to anyone he recognized. From travels to the shores of Florabama to Wednesday movie nights with friends, he cherished good times spent with friends.

Don was predeceased in death by his parents and beloved cousins Tom Buford and Carolyn Tremain.

Don will be lovingly remembered by his children Marisa (Shannon) Cunningham and Devin (Marlene Men) Williams; his five grandsons Jackson, Collin, Dillon, and Aiden Cunningham, and Damian Williams; his brother Robert Williams; two nieces Sarah Murphy and Sheila Johnson; his cousins, whom he loved like siblings, Carol Buford, Mimi (John) Kolkmeyer, Betty Sue (Bill) Shaver, Jim (Deborah) Stewart; and a host of second cousins, friends, and colleagues, especially those of the 12th Judicial Circuit Bar Association.

A memorial reception in his honor will be held on March 10th from 2:00-4:00 PM at The Gatewood, 125 East Main Street, LaGrange, Kentucky 40031.

Memorial donations may be made in Don’s name to the Kentucky Lawyer Assistance Program Foundation: by check mailed to P.O. Box 1437, Frankfort, KY 40602, or online at KYLAP.org, in hopes of bringing some hope and light to attorneys who find themselves in a dark place.