Carl McKinnon Williams, age 94, of Bell, passed away April 25, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born June 23, 1931, in Cottondale, Florida to the late Coy J. and Eva Shomaker Williams.
His mother passed away when he was only 5 years of age, and the family relocated to Chipley. Called Kinnon in his youth; he attended Chipley schools and graduated from Chipley High School in 1949. He was enrolled in Florida State University when his education was interrupted by the Korean War. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as an air traffic controller. Returning to FSU after the war, he received his bachelor’s degree in education and began teaching in Chipley schools in 1958.
Carl assumed an assistant principal position at Port St. Joe and was there for a short time before being named principal of Bell High School in 1965. He moved to Trenton High School for one year, then went back to Bell. He pursued and received his master’s degree in education from the University of Florida during this time.
In 1987 Carl launched a successful campaign for Superintendent of the Gilchrist County School System. He would serve in this role for one term until his retirement in 1992.
After Retirement, he enjoyed yardwork, visiting with friends and spending time with Frances, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His great grandchildren always brought a smile to his face when he watched them play.
He was a faithful servant of the of Lord, Carl found a home at McCall’s Chapel United Methodist Church where he served in various positions, including guest pastor and lay leader throughout his more than 50 years as a member at the time of his death.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Louise Trawick and Susie Lockhart, his brother Coy C. Williams, and grandson Cody Williams.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Frances Clark Williams, four children: Alicia Williams, Carla (Roy) Smith, Carl M. (Delores) Williams, Jr., and Randy (Lorrie) Williams, six grandchildren: Stephen (Sarah)Smith, Justin (Jessica) Smith, Stacy (Kevin) Smith, Ashleigh (Charlie) Floerke, Aimee Williams, and Arielle Williams and ten great grandchildren: Liam, Camryn, Wyatt, Rhett, Alexander, Huxley, Lorelei, Brodhi, Sterling and Beau.
He is also survived by his sister Katrina Richards, sister-in-law Linda Clark, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service to honor Carl will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at Watson-Milton Funeral Home. Family will receive friends for a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at 10:00 AM. Immediately following the service, Carl will be laid to rest at McCall’s Chapel Cemetery in Lafayette County. Military honors will be conducted in recognition for Carl’s dedication and service to his country.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at Haven Hospice for their help and support.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Mission in Action in Bell, Haven Hospice of Chiefland, and Methodist Children’s Home, care of McCall’s Chapel. (7755 State Rd 349, Branford, FL 32008).
Arrangements have been placed under the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home, Trenton. www.WatsonMilton.com (352) 463-8888
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