Jared Thomas Williams

Mr. Jared Thomas Williams, 80, of Newnan, was called Home by his Heavenly Father on Saturday, August 3, 2024. He passed peacefully at Piedmont Newnan Hospital following a short illness. Prior to his parting, he always inspirationally believed that "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to perish." Jared was born on October 5, 1943 in San Luis Obispo, California to Thomas and Dorothy Williams. He is predeceased by his parents and sisters, Kevin and Jill Kithcart. He married the love of his life, Susanna Strouse in Haderslev, Denmark in April 1993. He is survived by Susanna, daughter Nicole Williams. Mr. Williams graduated from the University of Maryland, University College with a Bachelor of Science Degree and earned a Master of Public Administration Degree from Troy State University. Mr. Williams began his professional life's journey with the United States Air Force in 1961. He retired from the US Air Force after 22 years of service in the aircraft maintenance field. He served multiple tours in overseas theaters with a combat tour in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. A highlight of his Air Force career was serving with the US Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, The Thunderbirds. Through a secret ballot of all team members, he was selected as "Thunderbird of the Year" for 1969. He was also an intimate participant in the airlift of the 52 American hostages from Algiers, Algeria to Wiesbaden, Germany upon their release from Iran on January 20, 1981. After retiring from the USAF, he joined the Department of the Army Civilian workforce where he served Soldiers and their Families for an additional 26 years. He served in multiple positions with increased responsibility, culminating with appointments as Director, Morale, Welfare, Recreation and Family Programs in the US Army Medical Command, the US Army Forces Command, with his final assignment as Director, MWR&Family Programs with the US Army Installation Management Command, Southeast Region. His last assignment prior to his retirement in November 2009 encompassed the geographical area of the 13 states comprising the southeast United States, as well as Puerto Rico. He also served as the MWR&Family Program advisor to the United States Southern Command that reached Soldiers and Families in Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean Region. He received many recognition awards during his career always with emphasis on his dedicated service to Soldiers and their Families. He was recognized by the Secretary of the Army; Mr. Louis Caldera, as well as down to and including Commanders at the US Army Garrison echelon. He was a recipient of the Army's Order of the White Plume for "Service to the Troops" and the Peter F. Isaacs Lifetime Achievement Award for developing, delivering, and sustaining MWR&Family Programs to the Soldiers and Families of the US Army during the protracted wars in the Middle East. Upon his retirement, General Charles C. Campbell, Commander, US Army Forces Command summed up Mr. Williams' service succinctly by stating, "Thanks for the outstanding service you have rendered to our Army. You have made a huge impact on our Soldiers and their Families." Mr. Williams will be interred in a private family service in the Military Cemetery at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory, Newnan, Georgia; 770-253-4580.

Jared Thomas Williams

October 5, 1943 - August 3, 2024