Donnie Houston Williams

Donnie Houston Williams, 88, of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, passed away at home with his family by his side on June 23, 2023.

Donnie was born January 17, 1935, in Point Cedar, Arkansas, the second son of Floyd and Willia B. Williams. He is preceded in death by his parents; and two sons, Donnie Williams and Dale Williams.

He grew up helping his mom and dad with farm chores and playing sports at Bismarck High School. Donnie enjoyed sports and was an outstanding student. He received his Bachelor’s Degree at Henderson State College and later his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from George Washington University in Washington D.C.

He was a teacher, a principal, served 16 years as an officer in the United States Army, and was a Viet Nam Veteran. As an Army Major he worked on missile projects across the country. After a day at Canaveral’s NASA Space center, he took a drive up the coast and found New Smyrna Beach. He retired early from the military and moved the family from Huntsville, Alabama to spend his next 50 years as a business owner, developer, realtor, and broker.

Donnie met Marlene in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where they married. They celebrated their 67^th anniversary this year. Together they worked side by side and later with their son, Dale, for over 40 years to grow Williams Furniture and Design Center. After they retired, Dale and his wife, Heather, continued the tradition with Coastal Interiors by Williams. Donnie enjoyed playing golf and bridge with friends in Sugar Mill. As a man growing up in the 50s, he loved muscle cars and boats. He learned to snow ski at 60 and kept it up till 78. In retirement, he and Marlene traveled the world. He taught Real Estate at DBCC and was a Real Estate Broker in New Smyrna for 40 years.

He is survived by his wife, Marlene, 87; his twins, David Williams (wife Amy) of Alpharetta, GA and Diana Williams (husband Bob) of New Smyrna Beach, his daughter-in-law, Susan Williams of Hot Springs, AR and his daughter-in-law, Heather Williams of Edgewater, FLorida. Donnie enjoyed 9 grandchildren who called him “Pop”; Rendy, Donnie, Missy, Pamela, Emily, Grace, Logan, Rachel, and Nicole.

Graveside services will be held at 9:00AM, Saturday, July 1, 2023, in the Philippi Church Cemetery in Bismarck, Arkansas under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Home, Hot Springs.

Guest registry is at www.smithfamilycares.com.