Norman "Frank" Williams

Norman “Frank” Williams passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 9 surrounded by his wife and three children at 84 years old. He was born to Norman and Marie Williams at their home on the Southside of Indianapolis on March 8, 1939. He began working at 11 years old for his grandfather at Stumpf Bros Pork Products, eventually driving the delivery truck at age 14. Frank graduated from Southport High School, where he set the Southport High 100-yard dash record and was a member of the 1957 Regional Championship Basketball Team, holding future NBA Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson to 38 points… in the first half. After high school, Frank served his country in the United States Air Force Reserves, being called up to active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis. On a blind date in January 1971 he met Helene Kempe and, knowing she was “the one,” married her in August of the same year. He held a number of different jobs- Butcher at Harry’s Meat Market, Salesman for the National Cash Register company, and Associate at the Indiana Manufactured Housing Association. To save for a downpayment on their first home on Crosby Drive, he worked weekends at B & B RVs and Bud Meyers Trailer Park. Frank was serving as the Executive Vice President of the Indiana Manufactured Housing Association when the Blizzard of ‘78 hit and they decided Florida might have better winters. Frank moved the family to Tallahassee, FL in 1981 and became the Executive Director of the Florida Manufactured Housing Association. Frank served the industry and his colleagues with fierce dedication and integrity until he retired in 2006. Frank loved his family, golf, and cars. He was a kind and generous soul who was not interested in fanfare or accolades, but delighted in the achievements of others. He was loyal and steady, and a guidepost for so many, both professionally and those he was close with. He committed most of his retirement to driving his grandchildren to and from school, driving Titleists down fairways at Killearn and Quincy Country Clubs, and driving, buying, and selling more cars than anyone else in Tallahassee (at last count, 130 since 1981). He is preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Marie Williams, brothers Tom and John and sister Helen Straubinger. He is survived by Helene, his wife of 52 years, his daughters Michelle Ramos (Henry) and Mandy Lemons (Joe) and his son Michael Williams (Katie); eleven grandchildren: Jackson, Dillon, William, Grace, Jake, Andrew, Cody, Maddie, Adeline, Gianna, and Rocco; his sisters Rose Perkins and Betty Carey, and his brother Jim Williams; and eleven nieces and nephews. The family will welcome visitors Friday, September 15 from 5-7 p.m. at Bevis Funeral Home, 200 John Knox Road. Funeral Mass and Reception will take place Saturday, September 16 at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 4665 Thomasville Road. The Funeral will be livestreamed at www.GoodShepherdParish.org. A private burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Frank’s name to Catholic Charities of NWFL Dayne Parker of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

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Norman "Frank" Williams

March 8, 1939 - September 9, 2023