Laird Kelly Williams entered his eternal rest on August 21, 2021 at Jackson Hospital in Marianna, Florida.
Born to William Sanford Williams and Annie Louise Kelley on March 19, 1957 in Dothan, Alabama. An avid fisherman, charismatic jokester, lover of crosswords, and trivia champion. He could always be heard whistling a tune, reading God’s word, and telling jokes.
Laird attended Wakulla High School, served in the U.S. Army, and attended Chipola College. He married Karla Wilkes on February 9, 1985 and they enjoyed a life together with their two daughters and special pet “SusieQ Puppy Girl”. He worked as an aircraft mechanic for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department before becoming disabled.
Although Laird was disabled, he made it his life’s mission to insure there was always a hot breakfast before his family went to work and school, and a home cooked supper at dinner time. He became a homework tutor, life counselor, and chauffer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and son, Mathew Brelsford; mother in law, Martha Wilkes; and special grandmother in law, Lizzie Wilkes.
Survivors include his wife, Karla Wilkes Williams; daughters, Laura Shaw (Kevin) and Kelly Ratcliff (Richard); grandchildren, Sarabeth, Patrick, John, and Ben Shaw, and Barrett Ratcliff; his siblings, Karen Brand, Sanford Williams, Terri Knox (Don), Della Hattery (Fred), Sallie Hughes (Louis), Richard Williams, and Melinda Cox (Bill); and a host of nieces and nephews.
Services for Laird will be 10:00 AM, Saturday, August 28, 2021 at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home with Pastor Chris Franklin officiating. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery with Marianna Chapel Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends from 9:00 AM until the time of service.
The family would like to thank the special Sapp Road neighbors who were always willing to lend a helping hand and listen to a joke.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Community South Credit Union under the name Kelly Ratcliff.
Condolences may be made online at www.mariannachapelfh.com.
