Stephen “Mark” Williams (1969-2015)
Mark Williams, age 46, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on November 13, 2015. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Arthur and Opal Boyle of Greenup, Kentucky; grandparents Clay W “Boomer” and Mary P Williams of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.
Survivors are his wife Tracey L. Williams of Fort Walton Beach; daughter Taylor N. Williams of Tallahassee, Florida; son Noah K. Williams of Pensacola, Florida; stepson Tyler J. Turner of Scott Air Force Base, Illinois; former wife and mother of his children Donna G. Williams of Milton, Florida; parents John “Sandy” and Oma “Bernice” Williams of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; brothers Michael C. (Heather) Williams of Destin, Florida, and Matthew W. Williams of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; and numerous beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Stephen “Mark” Williams was born July 24th, 1969 in Ashland, Kentucky. He grew up in Fort Walton Beach, Florida graduating from Fort Walton Beach High School in 1987 where he lettered in swimming. Mark received his Associate’s Degree in Business from Okaloosa-Walton Community College in 1989. He then assumed management of the family aviation business, Boomer Aviation, that he helped found at the age of 10 with his father and brothers. At the time of his death he continued to serve as the President of Boomer Aviation. In addition to running a busy aviation company he also enjoyed a successful career in real estate joining Realty Associates of Santa Rosa in 1997 where he received numerous accolades for sales and service. Additionally he served on many boards and performed many civic duties including: 2003 President Navarre Area Board of Realtors, 2007 President Navarre Beach Area Chamber Commerce, Multi-year NABOR Realtor of the Year winner, 2004 NABOR Community Service Award for his tireless community and charitable efforts, 2004 Navarre Beach Area Chamber Spirit of Navarre Award for his efforts in the creation and adoption of the Navarre Town Center Plan, 2005 headed the first ever Habitat for Humanity in Navarre which built a home for a needy Navarre family, 2006-2007 Honorary Commander – 96th Communications Group Eglin AFB. He volunteered so much of his time and expertise to charitable causes including but not limited to: Habitat for Humanity, NABOR’s Toy Drive, Relay for Life, Red Cross, fundraising for programs at Navarre High School, fundraising for the John Duncan Memorial Children’s Park in Navarre, Horizons, The ARC of the Emerald Coast and Fresh Start for Children and Families. Mark was also extremely proud to have been a Fort Walton Beach High School Swim Team Parent. Above all, Mark’s pride and joy were his beautiful, smart and kind children Taylor, Noah and stepson Tyler.
Mark enjoyed vacationing, snorkeling, golfing, boating, fishing, sailing, cooking, renovating, photography, and anything outdoors. There was absolutely nothing that he couldn’t do or build and took great pleasure in helping others no matter how busy he was. But most of all it was his infectious smile, sense of humor, kind heart and love for his wife, children and family that he will always be remembered for. There will be a “Celebration of Life” with a visitation for family and friends this Wednesday, November 18, 2015 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. with a Ceremony at 7:00 p.m. at McLaughlin Mortuary,17 Chestnut Avenue S.E., Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548.
