Donald Paul Williams

As the warm morning sun rose over the horizon on Monday, October 30, 2023, our hearts were saddened to say goodbye to a wonderful man who has lived a good and faithful life and was deeply loved by his family.  Donald Paul Williams entered into his glorious place of eternal peace and rest and we give thanks for the 87 years of his life.

Don was a native of Tampa, Florida, and a graduate of Hillsborough High School. He continued his education at Lakeland Business College where he received his Associates Degree. Don was a man of many talents and achievements. He proudly served his country in the Vietnam War as a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force, retiring with 20 years of service. His courageous service demonstrated his unwavering dedication to protect the values and freedom that we each hold dear to our hearts.

Following his great love for the mountains, Don and his family made the decision to make their home in Western North Carolina where he became a well-known realtor, founding and owning Pioneer Realty along with his wife, Donna. Their hard work brought two successful real estate locations operating in Waynesville and Maggie Valley. Don’s great personality and his great concern for his community was well known and Don was greatly respected in his real estate profession. He was an active member of the Haywood County Board of Realtors and he continued his support of fellow veterans by being a member of the VFW Post #5202 in Waynesville.

Don truly had a green thumb and enjoyed gardening, growing vegetables and flowers that were greatly admired by everyone. He also loved grilling out during the summer season and spending time with his family. He also enjoyed spending time traveling especially to the Outer Banks of NC and finding his favorite spot on the pier. What wonderful happy memories they have to remember.

Don was blessed with the natural gift of storytelling. He amazed family and friends with his descriptive words that captivated everyone’s attention and brought his stories to life. In the words of his son, “He was the quintessential southern storyteller.” Most importantly, Don loved his family with all his heart and soul. He was thankful for each of them and he never took them for granted in his life. They were his blessings.

Don was a special gentleman who lived a full and rich life. He left us too soon, but he has left us with a legacy of love, laughter, and wisdom. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Williams; his mother, Ruth Waters Williams Voorhees, and father, Hugh Voorhees; also a sister, Barbara Clark

Don is survived by his loving wife, Donna McNabb Williams of Waynesville; his son, Hugh Williams and his wife Tami of Maggie Valley; granddaughters, Abigail Williams of Brooklyn, NY, twins, Callie Williams and Ellie Williams of Maggie Valley; a sister, Helen Carter of Lafayette, Louisianna; his former wife and mother of his son, June Munson of Waynesville; also several beloved nieces and nephews and many friends.

A funeral service with military honors will be conducted at 12:00 noon, Monday, November 6, 2023, at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC. Hugh Williams will honor his father by officiating at the service.

Memorials may be made in Mr. Williams's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is honored to be caring for the Williams family.