Douglas Williams' Obituary
Douglas Leon Williams departed this earthly life suddenly, on Wednesday November 2, 2016, when his giant and loving heart failed him just 24 days short of his 66th birthday.
Doug was born on November 26, 1950, the son of David L. and Nancy C. Williams of Mableton, GA. He grew up in the Mableton area, attending Mableton and Skyview Elementary Schools, and Pebble Brook High School, where he graduated in 1968. Following high school, Doug attended the Ringling School of Art and also received training as a radio broadcaster. His early love of music blossomed as he played drums, sang and composed with many bands in the Atlanta area. Also, he worked for many years as both a disc jockey for dances and as a radio personality.
In 1980 Doug met the love of his life, Julie, and “DougandJulie” quickly became a single word, as they went about living life to the fullest, together. Earlier this year they celebrated 34 years of happy marriage.
Doug’s uncanny ability to capture characters and to use his voice as an instrument led to a lifelong career as a voice talent, during which he helped to create numerous commercials for radio and television, and narrations for video productions. One of his proudest achievements was his vocalization of the role of Santa in the nationally syndicated TV production of “The Elf on the Shelf”. Another was a video production on which he collaborated with his brother David, a documentary commemorating the 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.
Doug and Julie shared a great passion for Civil War reenacting, and spent many weekends together “in the field”, honoring their Southern heritage. Doug founded the Georgia Division, Signal Corps, which still is in the field in battle reenactments today, under the name “Williams Signal Corps”. He was also famous for his performance as Senator Toombs, reenacting the Senator’s battlefield speeches. Doug, and Julie were well beloved by their fellow reenactors.
Doug and Julie Williams truly lived their marriage vows, as the years of fun and excitement gave way to periods of incredible challenge. Doug’s character and devotion have never been more clearly demonstrated than through his love, care and devotion during Julie’s ongoing battle with cancer. Truly, there has never been a couple who were better suited to one another. Each of them was the ideal partner for the other, and their family and wide circle of friends have over the years given thanks to God that each had the other.
Doug is survived by the love of his life, Julie, of Mableton, his brother David and Patty of Oak Harbor, WA, his nephew John and Vicky Williams of Renton, WA, his niece Lee Williams of Alameda, CA, his cousin Ed and wife Ann of Fayetteville, and Julie’s uncle George and Pamela Little of Buford. He is also survived by his adopted family: Bill and Teresa Davis, Dave and Gina Haney, Rhett and Peggy Wynn, his lifelong friend Jim Griffith, and by the wide family of friends whose lives were touched by his warm and loving heart, his humor and spirit, and his love. He will be forever missed, and all he touched will be forever enriched by that experience.
A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, 4:00 PM at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Tommy Chapman officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 2:00PM to 4:00 PM prior the service.
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