Frederick "Fred" Leighton Williford

Fred was born March 18, 1927 in Washington, D.C., the son of the late Lee Roy Williford and the late Constance Berry Williford. He was a devoted husband to the late Phyllis Anne Williford. He was also a loving father and grandfather. He served his country with honors in the United States Navy during World War II Pacific Theater. Afterwards, he graduated from the University of Maryland and continued his education earning an M.B.A. and Ph.D. in Business Administration from the American University. Fred and his late wife moved to St. Simons Island in 1994, following his successful career as a Trade Association Executive in the Washington, D.C. area. He was professionally recognized as a Chartered Association Executive (CAE) by the American Society of Association Executives and was also a team leader for their consulting service. He was an Anglican who served on the Vestry of several parishes in Maryland. Fred was also an avid tennis player and a member of the Sea Island Club.

Fred served as Executive Director of DECA, an international association of high school, college students, and teachers of marketing, management, and entrepreneurship in business, finance, hospitality, and marketing sales and service. He also served as President of the National Association of Furniture Manufacturers; as Executive Vice President of the National Microfilm Association; and in various capacities for the American Health Care Association, National Federation of Independent Business, and the Society of American Florists. Fred developed the floral industry’s award winning cooperative advertising program.

Survivors include his two sons, Frederick (and Nancy) Williford Jr. of Walkersville, MD and Bradley (and Maggie) Williford of Holly Springs, NC; and his two daughters, Karen (and Jim) Dungan of Germantown, MD and Constance (and Paul) Woods of Walkersville, MD. He is survived by six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The family cordially invites you to attend a Memorial Service held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, October 18, 2017 in the Brunswick Room of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home with Dr. Mike Cordle officiating the service. A reception is to follow immediately after the service.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for memorials made in Fred’s memory to Hospice of The Golden isles, 1692 Glynco Pkwy, Brunswick, GA 31525.

Arrangements are entrusted into the care of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home (www.edomillerandsons.com).