Jason R. Williams

Jason R. Williams, 42, of Decatur, GA passed away unexpectedly on February 25, 2023 at Emory Decatur Hospital following an acute illness. Jason was born February 10, 1981 to Jim and Berdie Williams in Denison, TX.

He grew up in Durant, OK as a member of the Choctaw Nation. He graduated from the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics and the University of Oklahoma.

After college, Jason began his career with Seda France, a high-end fragrance company in Austin, TX. In 2012, he moved to Charlotte, NC where he accepted a position with Lowe’s Home Improvement as a Category Manager. In 2013, he met his partner, Scott Fitzgerald and they purchased their first home about a year later. Their advancing careers took them to Norfolk, VA for two years and then to Decatur, GA in August 2021.

Jason was working for NAPA Auto Parts, Genuine Parts Company as a Category Manager and within 16 months was promoted to Director of Category Management in January of this year. Jason was awarded the 2023 National Category Manager of the Year Award for “reinventing the accessories category in store and online” and was to be honored at the Category Management Association’s annual conference at the end of February. Jason led an amazing life of achievement and was a highly respected individual with a rare talent of elevating the consumer experience.

Jason was incredibly proud of his work and enjoyed his successful career in the retail industry. He loved to travel the world and visit historical sites, especially anything Roman. His adventures took him to 47 US states and over 25 countries. He started taking French lessons in 2020 and was able to utilize his language skills during his last trip to Paris in December 2022. Jason treasured both high-fashion as well as interesting finds from antique shops. Jason had a brilliant mind, a kind heart, and truly possessed the best attributes across any spectrum.

Jason is survived by his loving partner, Scott Fitzgerald; brother, Carson Williams (Ericka); sister, Jill Williams (Jayce Cogburn); parents, Jim and Berdie Williams; and his lovely nieces, Everly and Elliot.

Please join us in remembering our dear friend and family member, Jason. This is a casual gathering for us to share and appreciate the joy Jason brought into this world. Event details: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdatjOeHCOFVUPNg1xYmP_ud-SlyGm13ACFLPJbJw495Sd4Eg/viewform?fbclid=PAAabvGrh0ncp6xfuXwdq9XyFc4kdjbrQQMG3xOMv2uV6hkl6FXO_fFqC_uxw

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please consider making a donation on Jason’s behalf to one of these uplifting causes:

• First Nations Development Institute: Building healthy American Indian economies and communities

• Oklahoma School of Science & Mathematics: Jason’s high school for academically talented students (donation designation should default to Class of 1999: Memory of Jason)

• True Colors: Support services for homeless LGBTQ youth