Frank Bridges Williams, Jr.
Augusta, GA – Frank “Bit” Bridges Williams, Jr., passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, December 6, 2014, surrounded by his family. Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his infant son, Frank Bridges Williams, III.
Mr. Williams was born on June 20, 1927, in Fairfax, Alabama, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank B. Williams, Sr. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and in 1949 graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Textile Engineering. While at Tech, he was active in the Engineering Honor Society Tau Beta Pi, served as President of Phi Psi Professional Textile Fraternity, and was also President of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Upon graduation, he joined Graniteville Company where his career touched all facets of textile manufacturing and management of several mills. In 1999, he was inducted into the Georgia Tech Engineering Hall of Fame for his contributions to the textile industry and the community.
Professionally, he was active in the Georgia Textile Manufacturers Association and served as President of the Textile Education Foundation. He was an active member and Elder of Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church. His civic activities included serving as Campaign Chairman of the United Way, past President and a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club of Augusta, and service on the Boards of the Boys Club of Augusta, Sacred Heart Cultural Center, and the Tuttle-Newton Home. Mr. Williams was the first Chairman of the Augusta-Richmond County Data Processing Commission.
Mr. Williams enjoyed his family, golfing, and longtime membership in the Sand Hills Investment Group.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Julia Clark Williams; daughters, Rev. Laurie Dixon Williams of St. Simons Island, GA, and Sarah Winfield Williams of Augusta; sons, David Jennings Williams (Peggy), Michael Clark Williams, and John Herndon Williams, all of Augusta. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at 1:00 P.M. with Dr. Matt Rich officiating. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall following the service. Burial will be private.
The family extends special thanks to Dr. Michael Shlaer and University Oncology, caregivers Willie and Minta Barnes, and Affinis Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church, 2261 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904 or to Sacred Heart Cultural Center, 1301 Greene St., Augusta, GA 30901.
Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com