WILLIAMS, Wayne Leroy, Major U.S. Army (Retired), age 78, passed away on February 15, 2020, leaving behind his loving wife, Sandra Williams; dear sister, Tabitha Pope; children, Lee Williams (Jennifer), Anne Hingle (John), Kristin Williams; six grandchildren; step-children, Hunter Collins (Patti); Dale Collins (Karen) Hope Munoz; six step-grandchildren; four nephews; three nieces and their families. He loved each and every one of them.
Born in Atlanta, but raised in New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Wayne’s family moved to Tampa, Fla. in 1951, where he graduated from Hillsborough High School (1958); attended University of South Florida then graduated from Mississippi State in 1971. He was devoted to his loving wife Sandra and his entire family. Later in life, he and Sandra resided in Panama City Beach because he felt it was ideally situated between his home towns of Tampa and Slidell and is the current hometown of his stepson, Hunter and wife, Patti.
Wayne served twenty-three years in the U.S. Army, including a stint in Vietnam where he earned the coveted position of Platoon Leader. One of Major Williams’ proudest accomplishments; he brought home all members in his platoon alive. Known as LT to his veteran comrades, Wayne was a principled man who stood by his actions and righted any wrong no matter the cause.
One of his gifts, as most already know, was storytelling. With a twinkle in his eye and a smile that lit the room, Wayne shared his memories and life adventures making you feel you were there with him. His passion for football and golf continued throughout his life and he said his 2019 trip to the Masters in Augusta was one of the most exciting times he ever experienced.
He never met a stranger and those who crossed his path would say there were richer for it. Wayne would frequently say his last 16 years were the best years of his life. The frequent trips with just Sandy or with their dear friends; the planning and attending of the HHS 1958 class events; the reconnections and growing friendships with classmates from school; his involvement with events with his group of guys from Echo Company, 2nd Battalion 3rd Infantry (those were extremely special). Everything Wayne was able to do was fun filled and always created great memories. His love of life was shared with everyone, including medical professionals (he and his doctors would always share a new joke or two with each other), the frequented restaurants and newly made friends that were easily made with everyone.
Wayne truly had a way with people and will be deeply missed.
"The clock of life is wound but once
And no man has the power
To tell just when the hands will stop
At late or early hour.
Now is the only time you own.
Live, love, toil with a will.
Place no faith in time.
For the clock may soon be still"
Author Unknown
Wayne and Sandy were truly blessed.
A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Friday, February 21, 2020 at Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
