SOUTHPORT — Jeffrey Thomas “Jeff” Williams, age 70, of Southport, North Carolina passed away on Sunday, April 28, 2024.
Mr. Williams, born July 16, 1953 in Washington D.C., was the son of the late John and Marie Williams. Jeff was raised in Indian Head, Maryland and graduated from Lackey High School in 1971. He served in the US Air Force as a Radar Technician from May 1973 to May 1979. He met his future wife, Joanne, while serving at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. They were married December 16, 1978.
During his Air Force days, Jeff took up private flying that led to a lifelong love and career in aviation. After his service in the Air Force, Jeff began his career in October 1982, initially working as an Air Traffic Controller at Boston Logan Airport. He was a commercial pilot with instrument and multi-engine ratings. During this time, Jeff graduated Magna Cum Laude from Daniel Webster College with a B.S. in Management. In 1991, he transitioned to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) headquarters in Washington, D.C., marking a pivotal shift in his career.
He served as FAA Acting Director of the System Operations Airspace and Aeronautical Information Management. Jeff was the first manager of the Area Navigation (RNAV) and Required Navigation Performance (RNP) Group for the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization. In this position he was responsible for developing and implementing a plan to transition the National Airspace System from the current ground-based navigation system to a performance-based system. He also served as the US Member to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) RNP Study Group and the US Member to the ICAO Global Navigation Satellite System Panel. He was the first FAA Air Traffic Services GPS Integrated Product Team Lead to the FAA’s GPS program.
His expertise, communication skills, and ability to reach across lines of business was a key factor in enabling his success. In 2008, Jeff received the Air Traffic Control Association George W. Kiske Award of Merit for his contribution for the air traffic control safety, efficiency, and capacity.He also received a distinguished service award from the Helicopter Associate International. In 2012, Jeff received the Certificate of Commendation from the ICAO Air Navigation Commission for his contributions in promoting and increasing global understanding of PBN. He served as the CANSO Operations Standing Committee PBN Subgroup Co-Lead for many years. Jeff served in the FAA for over 26 years.
Jeff’s career necessitated extensive travel. His love for travel continued beyond retirement as he explored the world alongside his wife, Joanne, and friends, creating cherished memories that spanned continents and cultures. Jeff’s passion for cars was evident in his ownership of a Shelby GT Cobra. Whether it was traveling, flying, riding his motorcycle, boating, or cruising in his favorite car, Jeff enjoyed life to its fullest. He also enjoyed golf and spending time with the family.
In addition to his hobbies, Jeff was deeply committed to his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was an active member of his church community. Jeff served as a deacon, led a men’s Bible study, and was on the Planning Committee for the current building construction at Beach Road Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Joanne Williams; seven children, Shannon Tyson, Stephanie Kiser and husband Simon, Amanda Becker and husband Joshua, Phillip Williams and wife Lydia, Elizabeth Pelletier and husband Daniel, Nathan Williams, and Adam Williams; fourteen grandchildren, River Tyson, Evelyn Kiser, Georgia Kiser, Liberty Kiser, Joy Kiser, Patience Kiser, Uriah Kiser, Avery Becker, Micah Becker, Charlotte Becker, Harper Becker, Hunter Pelletier, Aiden Pelletier, and Benedict Pelletier; a brother, Jack Williams and wife Nancy; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
A viewing will be held from 6:00pm-8:00pm on May 3, 2024 at Peacock – Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina. A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Beach Road Baptist Church, Southport, North Carolina.
In lieu of flowers, people may make contributions to Mission Aviation Fellowship (maf.org) or Beach Road Baptist Church Building Fund, Beach Road Baptist Church, 4457 Flagship Ave SE, Southport, North Carolina, 28461.
Online condolences may be made here.
