Ouida Kathleen "Kay" Barry Williams

On June 5th, 2026, Ouida Kathleen “Kay” Barry Williams returned to the Lord at the age of 93 surrounded by those she held dear. Kay was born on March 31, 1933 in Newberry, Florida to William Nicholas “Doc” Barry Jr. and Ouida Jones Barry. She was beloved by her brothers, grandmothers, and many more from the moment she was born. Her early life in Newberry was filled with joyous memories, riding horses on her family’s ranch and eating ice cream at the drug store counter. Kay attended school in Newberry where she enjoyed playing basketball and made many lifelong friends. In her high school years, she spent a year at Southern Seminary and Junior College in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. She was a cheerleader and had many fond memories of her time among the Maids of the Mountains. Upon returning to Florida, Kay enrolled at the University of Florida, where she was a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and later chapter president. In 1954, Kay graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Education and worked as an elementary school teacher in Vero Beach, Florida. She loved the students she worked with, and life at the beach. Soon afterward, Kay met the love of her life, Theodore “Ted” R. Williams Jr. They married on July 20, 1957 in Newberry, FL. They had 3 sons, and their 63 year marriage was filled with love, laughter, and family. The couple loved to travel together, including annually to North Carolina, many Panhandle beaches, and on numerous family trips with their children and grandchildren. In addition to lovingly raising her boys, Kay was a dedicated employee of the Florida Legislature for over a decade. Her dedication as a mother and professional set a lifelong example for those who knew her. Kay Williams never met a stranger. She could talk to anyone and often would, always with a level of kindness and understanding that made the briefest interaction special. The lessons she taught to those around her about life and its many obstacles will be cherished forever. Kay was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, her husband Ted Williams, and her son, Robert Crenshaw Williams. She is survived by her sons Barry Williams (Helen) and Burton Williams (Molly); grandchildren John Barry (Nicole), Paul (Shannon), Tucker (Summer), Madison (Sam), and Rebecca (Bradley); great-grandchildren Liam and Theodore; her Sister by Heart Idella Lockett; as well as countless extended family members. A private graveside service will be held at Roselawn Cemetery. Kelly Barber and Jessie Hill of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) are assisting the Williams family with their arrangements.

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Ouida Kathleen "Kay" Barry Williams

March 31, 1933 - June 5, 2026