Kenneth Paul Williams

Kenneth (Ken) Williams passed away peacefully Monday, September 18, 2023, at Presbyterian Village, Athens, Georgia.

Ken was born in El Paso, Texas, and moved to Melbourne, Florida, as a teenager where he attended Melbourne High School. He received his bachelor’s degree as well as his Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Georgia.

After graduation, he married Ouida Harmon and taught graphic design and printmaking at East Tennessee State University, in Johnson City, Tennessee, where they started their family.

In 1979, he returned to UGA to serve as the head of the graphic design program in the School of Visual Arts. In addition to teaching, he did freelance work for Harland Check Company, The UGA Press and The Harvard press, helped design the typeface for the LA Times Newspaper and became an accomplished stone carver.  

During his free time, Ken was an avid runner, swimmer, biker, kayaker, mountain climber, skydiver (over 2,000 jumps), woodworker, pie maker and beer drinker.

Mr. Williams is survived by his daughter, Keating McCarthy, son in law, David McCarthy, grandson, Kylar McCarthy, brothers, Stan, Tom and Tim Williams, and sisters, Kathy Doner, Shelly Woodyard and Jill Ramsaur. He was preceded in death by his son, Bennett Paul Williams, and wife, Ouida Harmon Williams.

He will be missed by his family, friends and the staff at Presbyterian Village.

Memorial services will be Thursday, Oct. 12, 2pm at Presbyterian Village Athens in the chapel with a reception to follow.

Lord and Stephens, East is in charge of arrangements.

www.lordandstephens.com

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