Douglas Terry Williams

Douglas Terry Williams, 64, passed away Thursday, November 3rd, 2022, at his home in Charleston, South Carolina. Doug raised a loving family as husband, father, and grandfather; his friends were his friends for life, and he made them all members of his family along the way.

Born in Decatur, Illinois, on May 21, 1958, Doug was the son of the late Thomas Leo Williams, and the late Barbara Jean Williams.  He graduated from Fort Johnson High School in 1976.  Doug forged a diverse career path, starting as the Best Beer Man in the Southeast, and spanning to owner and CEO of Home Instead in Murrell’s Inlet.  It was during this time that Doug met his wife, Kelly Smith Williams, with whom he spent eighteen years of love, friendship, and marriage, right up until his passing.  Together with Kelly, Doug forged a bond that unified two families, now forever joined in love and caring.

Doug was a lifelong resident of Charleston, and from a young age committed himself to the love of his family and friends.  As a boy, Doug enjoyed a reputation as a bit of a wild child, though later in life would admit he was always his Momma’s boy. He grew into a man who could impart sage advice, especially to his children -- where he could remind them not to sweat the small stuff in life; or in business, to do the absolute best you can because that’s all you can do.  Doug’s wisdom was paralleled only by his persistent and tireless engagement in his activities: community commitment and involvement; the famous New Year’s Oyster Roast and the many reunions and get-togethers; sunrise fishing and sunset boat rides; a very broad taste in music; giving advice whenever asked.  An avid but understated golfer, Doug is known among friends as the “Muni Rat.”  For Doug Williams The Doer, almost every activity - and there were many activities - was better spent with friends and loved ones. If you happened to walk into Doug's life, there was a lifelong spot for you. You just had to keep up.

But it was his family that Doug anchored, providing ever safe harbor for them.  As husband to his wife Kelly, Doug was her everything, and his smile and gentle kindness will be with her always.  Together they became grandparents, RV and travel companions, and best friends.  Doug spoiled Kelly in their togetherness; it seems only the yardwork was Doug’s sole domain.  With his grandchildren, Pop Pop shared his love of golf, fishing, and boat visits to the lighthouse -- often concluding with quieter moments among the graceful creatures at Dolphin City. Indeed, Doug made all those around him better people. He is widely known as one who lived life like someone left the gate open…but at the end of the day, as Doug would say, all that matters is family and friends. And it was to these families and friends that Doug, in partnership with Kelly, provided loving access to his closing moment -- for an abundance of friends and family from near and far -- to say goodbye on his final journey, from the loving warmth and comfort of his home on James Island.

Doug is survived by his wife: Kelly Smith Williams; children: Sarah Williams, Amanda Williams (Ben Merckle), Kristina Diedrick (Brian), Rah-Lee Hunt (Ashley); grandchildren: Sadie, Maddox, Emma, Lee and Hunter; siblings: Debbie Suggs (Ronnie), Dana Sinkler (Lowndes), Stefanie Dye (Mark Schurmann), Jennifer Varnell (Brian). Bonus family: Ann and Rah-Rah Smith, Kim Davis Livingston (Brian), Kristi Johnson (Chip).

Doug is preceded in death by his parents: Barbara Jean Williams and Thomas Leo Williams.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 8th, 2022, at 11:00 am at John Wesley United Methodist Church, 626 Savannah Highway.

The family will receive friends on Monday, November 7th, 2022, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at J. Henry Stuhr Inc. Downtown Chapel, 232 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC.

Donations in Doug’s name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org/donate or to Pet Helpers Adoption Center, pethelpers.org.

A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.