Gerald E. Williams, known to family and friends as “Jerry”, passed away on August 3, 2015. He was 75.
Jerry was born in Bell, California to Floyd Loren and Flora May (Jeri) Williams. He was second of their three sons, preceded by Loren Thomas (Tom) and followed by Norman. Early in his childhood, the family moved from the Los Angeles area to a farm in the northern California community of Bayliss, near the town of Willows. After attending a two-room school in Bayliss through the eighth grade, he moved on to Willows High School where he excelled in academics, sports and student leadership activities. From there, he enrolled at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles where he realized his dream of playing baseball on a team coached by the legendary Rod Dadeaux.
He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Industrial Management and Business at USC. During this time, he married Marcia Moreland and became the proud father of two sons, Scott and Mark. In the mid-1970s, the family moved to Saratoga when he accepted a management position with Data Products Corporation in Sunnyvale.
Jerry spent his professional life in financial management positions in high-technology manufacturing, agribusiness, and telecom/security services. Poetry emerged as a pleasant distraction from the bustle of Silicon Valley startups and enterprises, and he was proud to have his work published. Also along the way, he had the opportunity to name a newly patented rose, “First Light”, during his tenure in agribusiness.
He was an avid golfer for most of his life as well as a loyal fan of the USC Trojans. His greatest love was spending time with his sons and extended family. He was a long time member of the Seascape Men’s Golf Club where he enjoyed a circle of close friends.
He is survived by Scott Williams and his wife Pamela of Valencia, and Mark Williams and his Wife Christine of Castro Valley along with his cherished grandchildren, McKenna, Connor, Max and Ryan who all affectionately called him “Grumpy”. He is also survived by his younger brother, Norman Williams and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will take place on Monday, August 10th at 4:00 P.M. at Twin Lakes Church (2701 Cabrillo College Dr, Aptos, CA 95003) with a reception to follow at Seascape Golf Club (610 Clubhouse Dr, Aptos, CA 95003).
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to his favorite cause, Stand Up to Cancer. https://constellation.standup2cancer.org/49658
Jerry served on the ASMC Board, he was a friend to many and he will be missed.
