Fred H. Williams

Fred H. Williams, Jr., 93, of Austin, Texas passed away April 12, 2010 .Fred was born in Los Angeles, California on November 10th, 1916 to Fred H. Williams, Sr.and Flora Otto Williams. He is survived by his brother, Bill Williams of Bend Oregon, his son, Kenneth, daughter-in-law Linda and his grandchildren, Erik and Heather Williams, all living in Austin , Texas. He was preceded in death by sisters Jean Williams Kemp and Mary Williams Hawkins. Fred lived and worked in Santa Maria, California, from 1946 to 1991. Fred was a pilot, flight instructor, and small businessman in the tax preparation and bookkeeping fields. Fred retired as a Colonel in the US Air Force Reserves. He served during WWII in the Caribbean theatre. After retirement, Fred and his wife, Margie moved to San Antonio, Texas. Margie Williams, wife of 53 years passed away in 1997. Fred was well known as an aviation supporter and lifelong plane builder. He was an active member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). He built and flew his last airplane when he was seventy five. He donated it to the Santa Maria Air Museum. Besides his love for flying and airplanes, he was passionate about traditional Dixieland jazz and was a member of jazz clubs in California and Texas, in which he held many leadership roles. Many of his favorite vacations were aboard jazz cruise ships. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to one of your favorite charities and stop and listen to the tune "When the Saints Go Marching In." A Memorial to celebrate Fred's life will be held at the Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church at 2:30 p.m., Thursday April 22nd.