Gary A. Williams

Cadillac - Gary Allen Williams, of Cadillac passed away at home with family by his side on Saturday, September 20, 2025. He was 86.

Gary was born on January 23, 1939, in Marion, Ohio to John and Helen (Jones) Williams. He graduated from the Marion Harding High School in 1952.  He then went on to graduate from the College of Wooster in Ohio, where he was a four year football letter winner.  In 1966 he received a Master's degree from Central Michigan University.

After teaching in Evart and Michigan Center, Gary was hired at the age of 26, as the principal of McKinley Elementary in Cadillac in 1967.  Over the next 28 years he served as principal at Cass, Kenwood, Lincoln, and Forest View schools.  During his administrative years in Cadillac, Gary innovated new school days, such as, grandparents day, artist day, and lunch with the principal.  Gary enjoyed playing marbles and horse on the playground with the kids.

Upon retiring in 1995 Gary was a salesman for the Harvest Insurance Company where he was awarded the 1996 "Rookie of the Year" recognition. In addition Gary worked odd jobs for Butternut Bread, K-Mart, the carwash, and Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home.

Gary was a 50+ year member of the Cadillac Lions Club, where he served as president three times, and held other positions over the years.  He was a member of St. Ann's Church and strongly believed in the Catholic Faith.  Politically he was a right wing conservative and attempted to follow that path in his latter years.  Early retirement years found Gary traveling, golfing, or fishing.  In later years he was reduced to enjoying grandkids, reading, and doing puzzles. 

On August 4, 1962, Gary married Nancy Lee Lawrence and she preceded him in death in 1981.  Their marriage produced three children, Steve (Lisa) Williams, Gala (Todd) Stephan, and Scott (Melanie) Williams, all of whom survive.  Gary married for the second time on March 23, 1985 to Mary Ellen Feeheley in Cadillac.  She survives with two children, Bridget (David) Coffey and Bill Feeheley.  Along with grandchildren, Zachary Stephan, Emma Feeheley, Libby and Becca Williams, Kelsey Stephan, Megan and Timothy Coffey, and Nancy Williams; and siblings, Vaughn Williams, Sue and Tom Mohr, Annie Williams, Jonbill Williams, and Becky and John Henry.  He was preceded in death by his parents; in-law's; his first wife, Nancy; sister-in-law, Linda; and a nephew, Ryan.

Visitation for friends and family will be held at the Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home from 4pm until 7pm on Thursday, September 25, 2025, with recitation of the Rosary at 6:30 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the St. Ann Catholic Church on Friday, September 26, 2025 beginning at 11am, with visitation one hour prior.  Officiating will be Rev. Michael Janowski. Memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Ann's School, the Cadillac Lions Club, or Right to Life of Michigan. 

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.Hitesman-Holdship.com     The family is being served by the Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home.