Gary Don Williams

Gary Don Williams, 86, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025, in Vero Beach, Florida, following a courageous battle with atypical chronic myeloid leukemia (aCML). His beloved daughters were by his side in his final moments, just days before his 87th birthday.

Born in Rutland, Vermont, Gary was the son of John and Ruth (Bulris) Williams. He graduated from Brandon High School in Brandon, Vermont, and went on to serve his country with pride in the United States Air Force from 1956 to 1966. His military service took him from basic training in Texas to assignments in Colorado, Omaha, Nebraska—where he met his future wife, Yvonne, and welcomed his first daughter, Lori Ann—and Zaragoza, Spain, where his second daughter, Teresa Lynn, was born.

After his military service, Gary pursued studies in electrical engineering at a vocational school in Miami, Florida. In 1967, he joined IBM at Cape Canaveral, where he contributed to the historic Apollo 11 mission. IBM played a vital role in the moon landing, and Gary was proud to be part of that extraordinary moment in history.

Later, he transferred to IBM’s Microelectronics facility in Burlington, Vermont, returning close to his roots and where his third daughter, Wendy Marie, was born. Missing the Florida warmth, Gary moved his family back south in 1981 and continued his career at the IBM Boca Raton Innovation Campus—home of the original IBM personal computer. He retired in 1993 as Chief Engineer, turning his focus to managing a successful portfolio of residential rental properties.

Gary is survived by his three daughters: Lori Williams Decker (Mark Deeg), Teresa Eisenower, and Wendy McClish (David); his former wife and friend, Yvonne Viani Williams; his brother, Phil Williams (Penny); his stepsister, Judi Needham; nine nieces and nephews; eight grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, his stepmother Frances Needham Williams, his sister Marsha Duell (Rufus), and his stepbrother Charlie Needham.

Gary had a zest for life and a quick wit. He was a big kid at heart who loved playing practical jokes and making people laugh. In his later years, he found joy in visiting Disney World and Universal Studios, making wine, exploring photography, and meticulously keeping his cars spotless and gleaming. He had a deep love for music, especially country music, and kept an impressive record collection. He also restored vintage jukeboxes (he had five) and even built and played his own organ.

A proud member of the Mayflower Society, Gary traced his heritage back to a passenger on the Mayflower that arrived in Plymouth in 1620—a legacy he held dear.

Gary will be laid to rest with military honors at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery on July 31, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Vietnam Veterans of America, 8719 Colesville Road, Suite 100, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, or online at vva.org/donate, in honor of his memory and service.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.