Hildreth Lyles Williams

September 23, 1930 - May 26, 2023

Hildreth Lyles (H.L.) Williams, Jr. departed this world on May 26, 2023. H.L. spent much of his life imparting his wisdom and experiences to his family and friends. His love of worldwide travel, history, and cultures was a constant source of joy to him and all those who knew him.

H.L. was born in Bennettsville, S.C., in 1930 to Hildreth Williams and Pearl Williams Gibbons. Following graduation from Hartsville High School, where he played varsity football, H.L. attended The Citadel in Charleston, S.C. There, he studied accounting and played football in his first year. After graduation, H.L. served in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1955. As a First Lieutenant serving as secretary to the USAF Postmaster in Tokyo, Japan, he received the Korean Service Medal - U.N. Service and National Defense Service Medal. It was during this time he began his long love affair with travel.

Following his move to Jacksonville, FL, in 1956, he met his wife and children's mother, DeLane "Ann" Williams. During this time, he began a successful and long career in the life insurance industry. H.L. worked for Provident Mutual, and later as an independent agent. He was president of the Jacksonville Association of Life Underwriters and the Florida Underwriters Association. Always happy to get up and share his breadth of knowledge with others, he was available at a moment's notice for any speaking engagements.

Between 1960-1985, H.L. served on several nonprofit boards in Jacksonville, including the Boys Home of Arlington and Friends of the Public Library; as well as in several leadership positions, including Vice President of the Jacksonville Art Museum; President of the Family Consultation Service; Vice President of the Jacksonville Urban League; and Vice President of Hope Haven Children's Hospital. He served on the Board of the Jacksonville Jaycees from 1957-1965 and moderated the Jacksonville Forum Jaycees Weekly television show for two years. He was an active member of St. John's Episcopal Cathedral in the 1960s and 1970s, serving as a vestry member and on multiple committees.

He grew up in Hartsville, S.C., and settled in Jacksonville, FL, in 1956. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Betty Dru Chaplin (Robert Chaplin), and brother Leslie Williams. His three children survive H.L.: Scott Williams, Hildee Wilson (Alistair), Tracy Williams (Gretchen), and five grandchildren: Hilary Williams (Colby Brewer), Chandler Williams, Madison Williams, Ian Wilson, and Emily Wilson (Iain Grae), one great-grandchild, Aurelius Grae, and nephews Jeffrey Chaplin and Drew Chaplin (Marty) and great nieces and nephews, Andrew Chaplin, Caroline Adams, Haley Shealy, Hunter Chaplin, and Jaime Amons. In addition to his family, he will be deeply missed by his friends.

A funeral service will be held at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL, 32223, on Sunday, July 2, at noon, followed by a reception. The family will hold a private interment with military honors at Jacksonville National Cemetery on Monday, July 3, 2023.