Forrest Hunter Williams, Jr., was a father, soldier and educator. Of Valdosta, GA, he died on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Fellowship Home at the age of 94. Born in Wichita Falls, TX to the late Forrest Williams, Sr. and Evelyn Norcross Williams on January 28, 1932. He graduated from Anniston High School in Anniston, AL. Forrest then enlisted in the Army and served in France and Germany. He used the GI Bill to attend and graduate from the University of Texas with a degree in Geology and was then commissioned as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He served for 24 years including two combat tours in Vietnam. He was both a fixed and rotary wing aviator. Notably he logged over 1000 hours in his favorite aircraft, the Mohawk, at that time only 2 other pilots had achieved this milestone. Forrest was proud to support veterans’ Honor Flights and active with the Mohawk Aviator’s society. Following his military career, he taught school for over a decade in central Florida and southern Georgia. In the early 1980’s, he retired and moved to Valdosta to be closer to family. The Williams were members of Park Avenue Church for many years.

He is survived by his son Chip (& Lorraine) Engle of Moyock, NC, and daughter in law, Joanna Engle of Jacksonville, FL. Also surviving are Shannon (& TJ) Lasswell of Marietta, William (& Cathy) Davis III, of Valdosta; Gwyneth (& Scott) Mabry of Chattanooga, TN, his grandchildren and spouses, Stephen (& Crystal) Engle, Ashley (& PJ) Neumann, Christopher (& Camille) Engle, Jason Padgett, James Thursby, Jessica (& James) Devane, Will Davis, Julie Davis and Kellsie (& Kristian) Ruane; a sister in law, Christine Bennett and five great grandchildren. Forrest is preceded in death by his first wife Jo Williams and his second wife Shirley Williams, a son Jack Engle and a son in law Scott Mabry.

His favorite poem and line by Rudyard Kipling, Gunga Din is particularly cogent; “I’ll meet you later on in a place you have gone, where there is always double drill and no canteen.”

A graveside service will be held for Mr. Williams at 11 am on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the graveside at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. Rev. Jimmy Towson will officiate. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the church or charity of your choice. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of the Williams family.