Donnie Houston Williams, 88, of New Smyrna Beach,  FL 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 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 Army, and was a Vietnam 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 preceded in death by his two older sons, Donnie and Dale Williams.

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

Services will be held at Philippi Church Cemetery in Bismarck, Arkansas.