David Francis Williams was born on April 13th, 1942, and passed away on March 28th, 2024, surrounded by his wife, children and some of his many grandchildren.
Dave was born in Roselle, New Jersey and lived in that area until he graduated from Abraham Clark high school and joined the United States Air Force. While stationed in France he met the love of his life, Mavis Anne Rivers, from Liverpool, England. They were married on October 31st, 1964, in England.
Dave received a teaching degree from Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, NE and started his journey as an educator. After several years in Fremont the family moved to North Platte, NE. Dave continued his education and received his master’s degree and his Specialist degree from Kearney State College. The family moved from North Platte to Broken Bow, NE in 1975. The family moved to Laramie, WY in 1984 where he was the principal at several elementary schools.
Dave was devoted to educating young children. During his time in Nebraska and Laramie he promoted the Reading is Fundamental (RIF) program. He was the president of the Nebraska State Literary Association in 1979-80. He was always having book fairs and book sales as he promoted the importance of reading. In 2002 he was the RIF Northwest Volunteer of the year. Dave was very active in the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and received several other honors for his service during his career.
While he was in Laramie, he decided that having a full-time job wasn’t enough and that he needed to do more. In 1992 he ran for the city council and was elected. He stayed on the council until 2000 and was the Mayor of Laramie in 1999 and 2000, proudly representing Laramie in any way that was needed. He always talked about giving back to the community and he certainly did that. After his retirement, Dave took on an interim role as Director of the Eppson Center for Seniors, an organization that he enjoyed and believed in. He was very active in community theater in both Broken Bow, NE, and Laramie. He really enjoyed performing with the “Unexpected Company” and the “Melodies” at the Eppson Center in Laramie. Dave also enjoyed being a member of the Elks Club during his time in Laramie.
Dave was a great father and grandfather; always willing to play golf, go fishing, or watch football, basketball, or baseball games. He always said the best part about working in education was that summer was open to golf. Dave golfed basically every day in the summer and while he was never a great golfer, he was always an enthusiastic one. He refereed basketball and football for more than 30 years and was selected to the Wyoming High School Activities Association (WHSAA) Hall of Fame as an official. His favorite sport to watch was baseball. A diehard Colorado Rockies fan, he attended the first ever Rockies home game and traveled to Denver frequently to watch the games. He loved hanging out with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. The grandchildren all knew that when they were spending a couple of days at Grandpa’s house they were going to go fishing and go to the Denver Zoo.
Dave will be missed by all that knew him.
He is survived by his wife Mavis, sons Mike (Teresa), Dan (Stephanie), Brett (Tracy), sisters Margaret (Jay) and Nancy (Richard) and his grandchildren and great grandchildren Bryce, Marisa (Armando), Shayla (Tim), Trenton (Chaney), Colton, Brayden, Mikayla, Ryker, Paxton, Raleigh, Fallon and Tecuani.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Williams and his brothers Paul, Allen and John.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 7, 2024 at the United Presbyterian Church.
In Lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made in Dave’s name to the Eppson Center for Seniors in Laramie. https://www.eppsoncenter.org/
So sorry Mavy, I am so glad our children were able to have a great principle…
The Laramie City Council sends their condolences and are thankful the service he provided to our community in so many ways.
Mavis and family please accept our condolences at this time of sorrow. Dave always wore a smile and was best known for his sense of humor. On Fridays, when teachers took turns bringing treats to share with the faculty and staff, it always came with a warning from Dave, “Be sure I get my fair share.” Wishing you all peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow.
Dave was a wonderful friend. I enjoyed acting with him in various TUC plays and singing with him with the Melodees. We got along very well. I will miss him. Francis William Bessler
I was so sorry to hear about Dave. I really enjoyed getting to know him through The Unexpected Company and the Melodees. He had a great sense of humor...kept us all laughing! He will be greatly missed.
Mavis, Brett and Family: Our thoughts are with you during this time of transition. Dave was always very special to the Eppson Center for Seniors, and his contributions to the Center during a difficult time will never be forgotten. We hope the warm memories will comfort you as you grieve the loss of such a special man. Tammy Comer and the Staff and Board at the Eppson Center for Seniors.
Thanks Tammy! He loved that place and I do too. Brett
My heart goes out to you and your family.
Dave officiated many of my games. Even though I argued every call against us, he was right and was an excellent official. Dave always had a positive comment to me and the team after each game. My sincere condolences to the entire Williams' family.
Our condolences to Mavis and all the Williams Family. Dave was such a good man. My heart breaks for you all at this difficult time. Stay strong and remember the good times .