Alan Cecil Williams

Alan C. Williams passed away at the John F. Keever Jr. Solace Center on May 11^th, 2024 after a valiant fight against Parkinson’s Disease. His daughter and grandchildren were by his side.

 Alan was born in Windsor, Vermont, on June 7^th, 1940, the son of the late Merrill and Gertrude Williams.  

Alan graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1962 and SUNY Albany, where he obtained his master’s degree.   Alan met and married a fellow educator, his wife, Rita Williams, in 1964, and met while teaching in Ellenville, New York.  Alan then moved to Plattsburgh, where his children were born.  Alan later resided in Batavia, New York, where he was director of student activities and housing at Genesee Community College for 25 years and subsequently guidance counselor at Oakfield-Alabama High School.  He retired in 2000 and moved to Asheville, North Carolina.  

Alan was a volunteer at the Folk Art Center/Southern Highland Craft Guild, as well as Santa during the holidays for the Riceville Road Fire Department.  Alan also volunteered at the Asheville Habitat for Humanity for 20 years and was responsible for starting the silent auction at Habitat, which is still thriving today.  Over $1 million was raised under Alan’s idea and leadership.  

He was a wonderful, loving grandfather to his grandchildren, Alexandra and Austin Walker, who affectionately referred to him as “Papa.”  

“My grandpa, or “Papa” as I called him, was an incredible person.  I feel so lucky to have had as much time with him as I did.  He was one of the most caring, thoughtful people I knew, and he never failed to bring a smile to my face.  He will be missed dearly.”  Alexandra, granddaughter.

“Papa was such an amazing human being and the best grandfather I could ask for.  He was truly selfless and touched the lives of so many people during his time on earth.  I will cherish our adventures and memories forever.  We will miss him every day and are forever grateful for the time we had with him.”  Austin, grandson

“Dad was one of the hardest working men I knew and a remarkable role model, as he never missed a day of work in 35 years.  Dad was one of my biggest cheerleaders.  He was an amazing “Papa” to my children, and the fond memories spent with Dad will live each day forever in my heart.  I am so glad I was able to spend so much time with dad and was able to hold his hand when he went to heaven, as he was always there to hold mine.”  Traci, daughter.

He was predeceased by his wife, Rita L. Williams and brothers Herb and Peter Williams, sisters Donna Miller, Lorraine Connor, and Alice Steinberg.  

Alan is survived by a son, Michael Williams of Maryland; daughter, Traci Walker of Colorado, two grandchildren, Alexandra Walker, Austin Walker, and Sebastian (great son-in-law).   

In lieu of flowers, donations in Alan’s memory may be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation at:  https://give.michaeljfox.org/give/489725/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw9cCyBhBzEiwAJTUWNcP65L4ZYpuh1p3_WxvsCyCsPNnfdQtPCeAeemCed3vn33tpx8hrURoCAeoQAvD_BwE#!/donation/checkout?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=mjffgeneral&utm_campaign=annualgiving_donationkeywords_us__search_google&c_src=smcidoc-a1bVL000001GBLY