Paul P. Williams

Obituary of Dr. Paul Williams DR. PAUL P. WILLIAMS of Leesburg, Florida, passed away on July 15. 2016. He was the Founding President of Lake-Sumter State College in 1962 and the Board of Trustees named him President Emeritus upon his retirement in 1981. In addition, the college Fine Arts Center is named in his honor. He was born on March 20, 1921, in Nanking, China, where his parents, Dr. Walter R. Williams and Myrtle M. Williams were missionaries. He graduated from high school in Cleveland, OH; received his B.S. degree, with honors, at Taylor University, Upland, IN; his M.A. degree at Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH; and his Ed.D. degree at the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. He was a three year veteran of World War II having served as Director of Physical Rehabilitation at McCloskey General Hospital, Temple, TX, and Brooke General Hospital, San Antonio, TX. Following World War II, he was Program Director of the Cleveland, OH, YMCA. Dr. Williams' educational service included being a high school principal at Willard, OH, and Perrysburg, OH, during which time he also served as a Graduate Lecturer in Education at Bowling Green State University and the University of Toledo. He returned to his alma mater, Taylor University, as Director of Health and Physical Education and Head Football and Baseball Coach. In 1956, he came to Florida to be Supervising Principal at Naples, FL Public Schools. Dr. Williams was named to Who's Who in American Education in 1951, was a life member of the National Education Association and a past area President of the Florida Education Association. He was a member of the Florida Teacher Education and Professional Standards Committee and was appointed by the Governor to the Florida Children's Commission. In addition, he held membership in numerous other educational and service organizations. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Tavares. For over 50 years, Dr. Williams enjoyed RV travel and visited all states and neighboring countries. Preceding Dr. Williams' in death was his first wife, Lois, who taught school in Leesburg, and brothers, Dr. Walter R. Williams, Jr., and Dr. John P. Williams. Survivors include: Wife, Betty Lou Williams; son, Ronald E. (Nancy) Williams of Tampa, FL; stepdaughters Michele Hoppenstedt and Doris Pardo; step-son Robert Furnas; grandson Paton Williams; granddaughter Victoria Williams Wilt, seven step-children; eight great grandchildren, and five step great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lake-Sumter State College Foundation, Leesburg, FL. Visitation hours are from 6-8p.m. on Monday, July 18 at Beyers Funeral Home, Leesburg, Florida. A graveside funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 19, at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Leesburg.

Paul P. Williams

March 20, 1921 - July 15, 2016