Alvin Eugene "Gene" Williams, 90, of Panama City, Florida went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 5, 2014. He was born on November 21, 1924 in Bay County Florida. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and devoted member of Emerald Coast Fellowship. Mr. Williams served in the US Navy in WWII and received a Purple Heart after the sinking of his ship, "The USS Tide." He with the assistance of his family, operated Professional Optical in downtown Panama City for many years after its opening in 1949. After retiring in 1989, he spent his time gardening and sharing the fruits of his labor with friends and family. He also raised chickens and enjoyed gathering eggs to give to all. As a devoted family member, he always helped in anyway needed. He loved God, his church and family, and will be missed by many.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Myrtle McNeil Williams; two brothers, David Williams, Herbert Williams; one sister, Lois Clark; and one granddaughter, Gina Leigh Williams. He is survived by his three children, Mary Ann Williams, Richard Eugene Williams (Lynn), James Grant Williams (Faith); daughter-in-law, Ginny Davis; seven grandchildren, Casey Albores (Mario), Ashley Pietro (Tommy), April Hand, Brian Williams, Dawn McMahon (Michael), Jason Dillingham (Chanda Farrar). Morgan Dillingham (Noel); ten great grandchildren, Tyler Pietro, Aryan Ellis, Ethan Ellis, Oscar Dillingham, Olive Dillingham, Enrique Albores, Lucyana Albores, Gina McMahon, Abigail McMahon, Mikey McMahon, Elliott Dillingham; and two brothers, Glenn R. Williams and Doctor Nixon Williams (Martha). Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 5 – 7 p.m. Those desiring may make memorial donations to Emerald Coast Fellowship Church, 4102 W Highway 390, Lynn Haven, FL 32444 in memory of Gene Williams.