Obituary of John Olen Williams

John Olen Williams passed from this earth into the angel's arms on September 10, 2011. He was born January 15, 1923 in McIntosh, Florida to Mary Lou & Walter Williams. Being of patriotic spirit he served in the US Army 608th Ordinance Battalion in Europe, receiving the bronze star during WW II. He also served in the 703rd Ordinance Company in the infantry division during the Korean War. John was a true philanthropist & gave back to his community as well as his country. His many accomplishments include: Co-organizer of the Marion County Emergency Search & Rescue squad. He was deputy director for Ocala/Marion County Civil Defense, having assisted with the first development of the civil defense organization & operation for Marion County in 1946. Past chairman of the Marion County emergency medical service advisory council & past project director for Marion County Emergency Services Communications system. Member of the 911 Emergency Service Task Force continuing for 12 years to bring the 911 system to Marion County. In his honor, the Marion County Communications Center was dedicated to him in a special ceremony on February 28, 2001. His real passion was his love of being a HAM radio operator & he was a co-founder as well as past president of the Silver Springs Radio Club. He established the unique radio project that enabled our fighting forces in Viet Nam to talk directly with their families in the States. The Military Affiliated Radio System (MARS) was one of only three of its kind in the nation & was operated by the Silver Springs Radio Club. The MARS system was rebuilt & activated during Desert Storm, continuing for Somalia, Germany & Egypt. Because of his efforts he received the Ocala Rotary Club Annual "Service above self" award in 1967 as well as the Golden Deeds award from the Ocala Exchange Club. He also was honored with a special Silver Medal Award from the State of Florida V.F.W., the highest medal the V.F.W. can confer on anyone. His memberships included Charter member of St. Mark's Methodist Church; 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason & member of Marion-Dunn Lodge #19; member of American Legion Post #27; life member of Disabled American Veterans; Life member & past post commander of VFW McCullough-Mixson Post 4209. John was owner of Williams Diesel & Electric and was known for his knowledge of diesel pumps & carburetor systems throughout the Southeast. Beside his many family & friends, he is survived by his wife of 40 years, Donna Cowart Williams, Step-children: William T. Cowart III, Edinburg, TX, Stephen M. Cowart, (wife Bea), St Augustine, FL, Henry Gerald Cowart, (wife Brenda) San Isidro, TX, Michele Cowart Seel, (husband Greg) McAllen TX, Eleven Step Grandchildren & six step-great grandchildren, sister Julie Mae Leitner, Citra, FL, brother Newton Williams, McIntosh, FL. A visitation will be held at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 910 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 from 5-7pm. A funeral service will also be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at 10am. Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Park, Ocala. The family would like to thank Hawthorne Inn and Hospice of Marion County for their support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Marion County.