Welcome to the memorial page for
Frank "Boat" Tracy Williams
November 24, 1906 ~ February 5, 2011 (age 104) 104 Years Old Light a Candle
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A candle was lit by David Edward "Bo" Williams
on May 28, 2017 1:09 PM
Message from Doug & Peggy Nodine
February 15, 2011 12:37 AM
Dear Williams Family, Oh how sad we were to hear about "Boat". He was an inspiration to anyone who ever met him. We have known him for a very long time and will never ever forget him. He always brought a smile to your face and gave you a thankful heart. He has been in our home many times and we always asked him to pray before he left. He prayed such a beautiful prayer and lifted you up each time he prayed. He was a legend at the Lake and will always be in our hearts and minds as long as we live. We miss you "Boat", but we Thank God, Thank God, Thank God we were able to know you, and count you as one of our Best Friends.
Message from Ashlea Darracott and Sandy Clark
February 13, 2011 4:45 PM
Mr. "Boat" Williams was our neighbor when we moved to Tryon in 2000.
I will never forget him stopping by the house our 2nd day there and asking if could say a prayer for everyone. This became somewhat of a tradition. He stopped by regularly after that.
He was quite a character and we always enjoyed seeing him.
I will never forget him stopping by the house our 2nd day there and asking if could say a prayer for everyone. This became somewhat of a tradition. He stopped by regularly after that.
He was quite a character and we always enjoyed seeing him.
Message from John and Cathy Calure
February 8, 2011 11:46 AM
Boat occupied the room next to my Aunt Gladys at Laural Woods. We could always hear Boat playing his guitar and singing. My 96 year old aunt would smile, tap her foot and clap her hands to his music. He was gracious to all the ladies, all the time. I'll miss seeing him sitting outside on the front bench. He touched our lives.
Message from phyllis gosnell
February 8, 2011 9:23 AM
I know "Boat" has touched the lives and hearts of many people. He was always such a beam of sunshine. I am sure he is rejoicing in Heaven right now,praising God. He was a truly remarkable person. Heartfelt regards to his family and friends.
Message from Sue Hilson, Michael & Thomas
February 7, 2011 9:28 PM
When I was in high school, I remember going to Frank and Ginger,s house to play the organ. He always wanted me to play the old hymns. In the eighties, Frank and Ginger went with my mother and I to White Oak Terrace for the Sunday school services of Tryon First Baptist church. We all received our twenty year plaque in the early 2000,s. As someone else said, he always wore a suit and a flower in his lapel. He will be greatly missed.
Message from Robert & Linda Miracle
February 7, 2011 3:28 PM
My wife and I are the photographers who interviewed Frank last Fall. I met Frank at the Lake Keowee Boat Show in 2009. He was riding around on the dock in a wheelchair. I commented how good he looked in that three piece suit with the nice flower in his lapel. He told me he was 102. The next spring I saw him walking down the boat ramp to the docks at the Lake Hartwell show. I said, "Frank, where is your wheelchair?" He said, "I gave the wheelchair to someone who needed it." He said he used it because he had a hip replacement and now he was better.
After hearing folks tell about his story, Linda and I said we need to get his story told. We went to visit Frank at Laural Hurst to interview him on his life story. I took several pictures and a video of him singing a gospel song for us. Our boat photos and story were recently published on Woody Boater web site. They said they would like to do a story on Frank after I told them about him. We were putting the story together, when his health took a turn for the worse. When we heard he had passed, the editors of Woody Boater stayed up until 4:00 am to get his story out that day. My thanks to Woody Boater for doing such a great job on Frank's story.
We are so grateful to have met Frank and finally get his story told. You can see his pictures on our web site. http://miraclephotography.smugmug.com/boats/ACBS boats.
I know that his boating friends and family are happy to see him in heaven. We will never forget meeting Mr. Frank Tracy Williams. May you rest in peace Frank.
Robert & Linda Miracle
After hearing folks tell about his story, Linda and I said we need to get his story told. We went to visit Frank at Laural Hurst to interview him on his life story. I took several pictures and a video of him singing a gospel song for us. Our boat photos and story were recently published on Woody Boater web site. They said they would like to do a story on Frank after I told them about him. We were putting the story together, when his health took a turn for the worse. When we heard he had passed, the editors of Woody Boater stayed up until 4:00 am to get his story out that day. My thanks to Woody Boater for doing such a great job on Frank's story.
We are so grateful to have met Frank and finally get his story told. You can see his pictures on our web site. http://miraclephotography.smugmug.com/boats/ACBS boats.
I know that his boating friends and family are happy to see him in heaven. We will never forget meeting Mr. Frank Tracy Williams. May you rest in peace Frank.
Robert & Linda Miracle
Message from Susan S. Blair
February 7, 2011 3:14 PM
I was very fortunate to meet Mr. Williams when I worked in Tryon. He was a wonderfully kind man who always had a smile, a story, and a kiss on the hand for the ladies. It was an honor to know him.
Message from Bill Prather
February 7, 2011 12:45 PM
I grew up on Lake Lanier, so I knew Mr. Williams since the 50s!
What a guy. Everyone liked him. 104! Wow! I recall when he was 90, it was like he was 60! He will be missed. Glad I knew him!
What a guy. Everyone liked him. 104! Wow! I recall when he was 90, it was like he was 60! He will be missed. Glad I knew him!
Message from George and Betti Bell
February 7, 2011 10:03 AM
To the most joyful man we have ever known. We do not ride on Lake Lanier, in one of his beloved Chris-Crafts, that we don't speak of "Boat". What a blessed life. Now he is with his beloved Virginia and I am sure, happier than ever. We will miss you on this earth, but will always have you in our hearts. Thanks for the memories.
Message from Pat & Allen Blide
February 7, 2011 9:53 AM
Hats off to a wonderful man- we celebrate such a long & inspiring life of kindness and positive thinking! He will be remembered at our Vintage Boat events in Charlotte area.
Message from Callie Sherbert Williams
February 7, 2011 8:39 AM
Frank was a friend of my late father, Ezell Sherbert. Dad and Frank took me on my first boat ride. It was very fast! Virginia, my mom, my sister Carolyn,and Leon were all there. The last time I saw Frank he told me I had a great last name. My husband is John Williams. I will forever remember Frank. Love and prayers.
Callie Sherbert Williams 911 Hwy 417 Moore S.C 29369
Callie Sherbert Williams 911 Hwy 417 Moore S.C 29369
Message from Dana Anthony
February 7, 2011 8:12 AM
I met "Boat" on the docks of Queens Landing during the Antique Boat Show in September. He was such a gracious and wonderful gentleman, speaking with all who came in contact with him. We'll all miss this man with such a vast library of knowledge about the hobby we're so passionate about.
Message from Greg Jackson
February 7, 2011 7:50 AM
After purchasing my first classic Chris Craft that would not run in 1987, I was told about a man on Lake Lanier, N.C. that was a wiz with these things so I hooked up the boat and drove from Clinton, S.C. to his house on Lanier. He came out of his house climbed into the boat and had it running in less that 60 seconds! We became friends and I have valued that friendship for these years. I will miss him very much.
Message from Ned and Rene'' Gallaher
February 7, 2011 2:19 AM
Frank was always a beam of light and a source for happiness and inspiration. Our lives have been enriched by knowing him these past few years! Every November will seem lonely without a birthday party to plan for him! A great source of comfort does comes from just knowing that he is surely partying and celebrating his arrival into heaven!
Message from Kay Greene
February 6, 2011 11:48 PM
The pew on the second row behind the piano seemed so empty today. I will continue to miss hearing "Beautiful! Praise God! " after the choir anthem as well as his every Sunday greeting of "Good morning, Kay".
I first met Frank and Ginger Williams in the 1970's when they were in a Sunday night Bible study group with me. In fact we sometimes would meet at their house. After Bible study on summer nights, Mr. Williams would take some of us for a boat ride on the lake.
The Williams were always fine Christian examples and great friends. After Ginger passed away, I watched Mr. "Boat' as he entered into his 90's and then his 100's. His Christian faith just seemed to grow stronger. I enjoyed hearing him sing for us. His singing at 100+ may not have always been "in tune" but I never knew a person whose heart was any more in tune. I don't think I will ever hear "Blessed Redeemer" without thinking of him. I can hear him sing "Through years unnumbered on Heaven's shore, my tongue shall praise Him forever more." And that is exactly what He is doing right now!
I first met Frank and Ginger Williams in the 1970's when they were in a Sunday night Bible study group with me. In fact we sometimes would meet at their house. After Bible study on summer nights, Mr. Williams would take some of us for a boat ride on the lake.
The Williams were always fine Christian examples and great friends. After Ginger passed away, I watched Mr. "Boat' as he entered into his 90's and then his 100's. His Christian faith just seemed to grow stronger. I enjoyed hearing him sing for us. His singing at 100+ may not have always been "in tune" but I never knew a person whose heart was any more in tune. I don't think I will ever hear "Blessed Redeemer" without thinking of him. I can hear him sing "Through years unnumbered on Heaven's shore, my tongue shall praise Him forever more." And that is exactly what He is doing right now!
Message from Bill and Gail Turner
February 6, 2011 8:29 PM
"Boat" had the special trait of sharing such a positive presence wherever he went. We knew him through The Antique and Classic Boat Society, Inc. and looked forward to seeing him at boat show events. He was always encouraging and enthusiastic about our vintage boating hobby and eager to share stories and memories with us. What delightful times we spent with him....our lives are blessed by our time with him. He is receiving the fullness of the blessings of heaven now.....what a special person.
Message from Tom and Barbara
February 6, 2011 2:18 PM
We were saddened to hear of "Boat" Williams' death. He was a great friend to my dad and to all of Tryon. He let two teenage girls take out his beloved Chris-Craft for an afternoon ride around Lake Lanier. He was generous this way. Our family will miss him and especially his wonderful smile and the flower that he always wore in his lapel. We will never forget how kind he and his wife were to us during my whole life time. Thank you "Boat" for your wonderful friendship. You will be missed more than words can say and you will be in our minds and hearts forever.
Message from Barbara Pierce-Britt
February 6, 2011 12:24 PM
"Boat" you will be deeply missed. I never saw you without a smile. You never met a stranger.
Message from Tom and June Riggle
February 5, 2011 10:25 PM
"Boat" has been an inspiration to his many, many friends in the Antique and Classic Boat Society. He was an absolute delight and will be dearly missed.
Message from Dana Bergman
February 5, 2011 8:07 PM
"Boat" sang with me many times as I entertained the residents of both Laural Woods, and White Oak Manor. If he was a "fan" of mine, I certainly was a "fan" of his. When I performed, his presence touched me and brightened my day. There is even a picture of us singing a duet on my website. God speed my dear friend. I will never forget you.
Message from Franklin and Sadie McKaig
February 5, 2011 5:31 PM
Our hearts and lives were touched by "Boat"! He was truly a man of great faith and all things good and positive. We have missed seeing him, in his pew near the front of the Tryon First Baptist Church sanctuary, sitting beside his dear friend Gary Nobles. His contributions, tangible and intangible, will serve as monuments to him. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and his many close friends.
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