Frank Broyles Williams

Frank Broyles Williams, Jr , Johnson City, TN, died July 3, 2008 at his home after 94 years of a full and eventful life. He was loved and cherished by many for his stories and generosity. Dr. Williams was born in 1913 in Savannah, Tennessee and loved the Tennessee River and Shiloh Battlefield. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Memphis State University, his M.A. from George Peabody College for Teachers and Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Kate Ledbetter Williams, of the home, his son, Frank B. Williams III of Dayton, Ohio, his daughter, Patricia J. Williams of the home, and two grandchildren, Molly Katherine Williams Edington, her husband Matt Edington, Dayton, Ohio, and Graham Cowden Williams, Denver, Colorado. He served proudly in the Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater, aboard the Cruiser USS Flint (CL-97). He was a Communications Officer and attained the rank of Lieutenant (Junior Grade). After teaching high school in Tennessee and Virginia, Dr. Williams taught in the history department at East Tennessee State University from 1949 until his retirement in 1979. He also served as Chairman of the History Department from 1961 until 1979. After retirement he wrote two books, contributed to two others, and wrote numerous articles and reviews. He served as Editor and advisor of the Tennessee Historical Quarterly for many years. His colleagues named him a Distinguished Faculty Member in 1977, and at retirement he was named Professor Emeritus. The Washington County Historical Society awarded him the Samuel Williams History Award in 2006.



He is preceded in death by an infant sister, Elizabeth Williams, his mother, Lena Rivers Petty Williams and his father, Frank Broyles Williams, Senior.



The family will receive friends at the Christian Life Center at Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, July 6, 2008 and a Celebration of Life service will be held in the sanctuary at 6:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held in Savannah, Tennessee where he will be interred in the Williams family plot. Pallbearers will be Graham Williams, Matt Edington, Bill Ledbetter, David Ledbetter, Mitch Dobbins and Jim Ledbetter.



The family would like to thank caregivers Dawn Watts and the many caring people of Caris Healthcare. Also, Dr. Tommy Copeland and the ROMEOs.



Appalachian Funeral Home will taking care of arrangements in Johnson City, and Shackleford Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements at Savannah, Tennessee.