Delano Cooper Williams

Delano (Del) Cooper Williams, a 1951 graduate of Leon High School and long-time Tallahassee resident, passed away peacefully at home Tuesday, January 15,2013, surrounded by family. From 1955-57 Del served in the Army and was stationed in Germany in the Intelligence unit. He enjoyed staying in touch with Army buddies over the next 58 years. Upon returning to Tallahassee he worked at FSU in the Office of Arts Education, then as Assistant Registrar, and later in the Office of Graduate Admissions. It was during this time he met Jean on a blind date, and a five-week courtship led to a 53-year marriage. Del went on to earn a degree in Social Welfare from FSU. He then began a 23-year career with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, where he worked as a Fire Safety Inspector. He was a mentor and friend to various work colleagues who have continued to be a part of his life since his retirement in 1992. Life-long interests included: singing and listening to music (especially classical, patriotic and songs from the ‘50’s); camping in and exploring state and national parks; leisurely drives down rural roads; tinkering under automobile hoods and repairing things around the house; eating out often (he was a familiar face to the staff at Cracker Barrel and Longhorn); cheering for FSU sports and NASCAR races; watching favorite TV shows, including anything about WWII, cooking and college football; and Del was never without a novel in hand, beginning the next as soon as he finished one. He was predeceased by his parents, Fletcher and Bernice Williams, and brothers Joe and Ranny Williams. Del is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jean Driggers Williams; daughters Daphne Williams McClain and husband Brian; daughter Terri Williams and husband Neil Fleckenstein; son Brian Williams and wife Sarah; granddaughters Meredith and Adriane Liedy; sister Eugenia Williams Jones and husband Ernest; sisters-in-law Joyce Driggers Smith and Sharron Brown Williams; step-grandchildren Nate McClain and family, Jake and Sage McClain; and many nieces and nephews along with other extended family members. Private graveside services for family only will be Monday, January 21. The family will then welcome friends and neighbors from 3:00-5:00 p.m. that afternoon at Jean and Del’s home. Please feel free to sign the on-line register at www.bevisfh.com. Bevis funeral home is assisting the family with their arrangements (850-385-2193). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Del’s name may be made to the classical music station WFSQ-FM 91.5 at 1600 Red Barber Plaza, Tallahassee, 32310; or to Tallahassee-Leon Community Animal Service Center, 1125 Easterwood Drive, 32311 (who provided Del with Mam, his comforting feline companion); or to Covenant Hospice, 1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Tallahassee, 32310. The family thanks the many friends, coworkers and neighbors who prayed for, visited, called and sent cards supporting Del and Jean throughout the years. Del led a life that was exceptional and he was blessed with a loving family and many fulfilling years on this earth. It is, however, the members of his family who have been truly blessed by having such a wonderfully kind, strong and loving husband, father and grandfather.

Tributes

Delano Cooper Williams

October 10, 1933 - January 15, 2013