Davant Thomas Williams ’49

Davant Thomas Williams ’49, 86, of Woodbridge, Va., passed away on Sept. 27, 2012. He was born on June 21, 1926, in Savannah, Ga., to parents Frank D. and Elma J. Williams. He received his B.A. in economics from Davidson in 1949. He entered the U.S. Army in 1944 and retired as a colonel in 1978, serving in WWII, the Korean War, and Vietnam. He then received his doctorate of education from Catholic University, also in 1978. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Jean C. Williams, 13016 Qualls Ln., Woodbridge, VA 22193; daughter, Rebecca W. Polaski (Thomas A. Polaski); son, Robert D. Williams (Kay C. Williams); grandchildren, Erin E. Edens, Michael T. Edens, Joshua W. Edens, Jenna W. Smith (Jared Smith), and Blake D. Williams; great-grandchildren, Cameron and Emma; brother, David L. Williams (Roberta M. Williams); and nieces and nephews. Williams is preceded in death by his daughter, Lucinda W. Lewis, and her husband, Gregory A. Lewis. Williams was active in the Presbyterian church all of his life, serving as a deacon, an elder, and superintendent of Sunday school. He was also a member of the Rotary Club in Black Mountain, N.C.