David Lawrence Williams

October 8, 1947 – June 24, 2025

David Lawrence Williams—a proud veteran, devoted father and grandfather, lifelong tinkerer, music lover, master storyteller, and the funniest man in the room—passed away peacefully and surrounded by his loving family on June 24, 2025. He was 77.

Born in Logan, West Virginia, David’s family moved to Florida when he was just an infant, setting the stage for a life filled with sunshine, horsepower, and humor. He graduated from Oak Ridge High School where he played football and basketball, proudly serving on Orlando’s first integrated football team—a meaningful chapter in his life that he spoke of often.

After high school, Dave joined the United States Air Force in 1965 and served with honor during the Vietnam era. From 1969 to 1971, he was stationed in Virginia but travelled throughout Japan and across Europe, serving under Generals Gabriel Disosway and William Momyer in the Tactical Air Command. His role came with top security clearance and deep responsibility, including the daily review of sensitive footage with commanding generals and, most solemnly, notifying families of fallen servicemen and attending the funerals of more than 20 fellow servicemen. Like so many veterans, Dave was forever shaped by these years and carried the weight and pride of his service throughout his life.

Dave returned home and began building a life rooted in love and hard work. He married Linda Carol Caldwell and became a young father to David Lon “Lonnie” Williams. After just six years of marriage, Linda unexpectedly passed away, and Dave raised their son as a devoted single dad. Many years later, he married Linda Eberhardt Safranek and accepted her 16-year-old daughter, Sabrina, as his own. Dave and Linda enjoyed a 28-year marriage peppered with full throttle adventures, riding their Harleys to biker festivals around the country and traveling to distant states to collect vintage Pepsi coolers. Dave spent his life being exactly what he valued most: a family man.

Dave proudly worked at Walt Disney World for 35 years, including working as a supervisor for the Utility Locate Department at Reedy Creek Energy Services. But his talents didn’t stop at job titles. He was a brilliant engineer who helped bring magic to life through contributions to the Main Street Electrical Parade, and he could fix anything. From designing grilling tools out of golf clubs to turning beer kegs into lamps, he had a knack for problem-solving with a wink and a grin.

Dave had a lifelong passion for cars and racing. He built his first car at 15 and never stopped tinkering. In the '70s and '80s, he sand drag raced (and won—frequently), co-founded the Orlando Four Wheel Drive Club, and spent many Wednesday evenings cheering on one of his best friends, David Rogers, at New Smyrna Speedway. He knew his way around a garage as well as he knew how to make you laugh until your stomach hurt.

He loved old-time rock ’n roll—especially Bob Seger, whom he saw in concert more than 40 times. His encyclopedic knowledge of The Beatles, the Eagles, Tom Petty, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Eric Clapton could rival any music historian—and he’d happily share his knowledge with anyone who had a willing ear.

But above all, Dave loved people. He’d give you the shirt off his back (and probably tell you a hilarious story while doing it). He believed in loyalty, honesty, hard work, and a good belly laugh. He was the guy who'd replace your flat tire, grill you a steak, and offer life advice all in one afternoon—whether you asked for it or not.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernestine “Ernie” Frye and Lawrence Williams, and by his beloved wife, Linda Carol Caldwell Williams.

He leaves behind a family who adored him:

His wife, Linda Safranek Williams;

His son, David Lon Williams (Sindy);

His daughter, Sabrina Hallongren (Brett);

His grandchildren, Daniel Logan Williams, David Lon Williams Jr (Makenzie), Maya Connell, Thatcher Connell, Kyle Hallongren, Ryder Hallongren, Adrianna Aguilera, and Joey Aguilera;

His great-grandson, Damion Williams;

His sister, Peggy Williams Randolph;

His niece Pam Randolph Reid (Colm), and his nephew Glen Randolph.

He also leaves behind countless friends, neighbors, and acquaintances who became like family—people who knew they could always count on Dave for a laugh, a helping hand, or a spark plug.

Dave wanted to be remembered not with sadness, but with stories and laughter. So crank up some Seger, think of your favorite Dave stories, and remember a man who lived with heart, humor, and a whole lot of horsepower.