Jack Klein Williams of Nashville, Tennessee

September 8, 1926 - August 6, 2021

Jake Williams passed away on Friday, August 6, 2021. He is preceded in death by his parents William Battle and Lena Marguerite Williams, brother Eugene (Jimmie) and mother- and father-in-law Bart and Ellen Crivella. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years Ann, brother Wayne (Ann), daughters Judith Williams and Brenda Dailey (Joe), grandchildren Zachary Dailey (Mandy) and Spencer Dailey (Frances), great-grandchildren Banks, Ellis and Grace Louise Dailey and many nieces and nephews.

Jake was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi but grew up in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Muldro, Oklahoma and Memphis, Tennessee. His passion for airplanes lead him to solo when he was 15 - before he was legal to drive a car. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol in the 1940’s and joined the Navy in 1944 as an Aviation Cadet. In 1947, he earned his wings and became an unrestricted Naval Aviator. He was in active service for 10 years and in the Naval Air Reserves for another 10 years. During his time in the Navy, he qualified on carriers and flew from Havana, Cuba to the arctic circle. He said he earned every penny of his pay being shot off the carrier in the middle of a moonless night with nothing under him but freezing water! He retired from the Navy as a full Commander. In 1956, he left active service to become a pilot with American Airlines. He retired from American Airlines in 1986 after 30 years of service. After retiring, he flew many corporate airplanes including for the Governor of Tennessee, Monroe Carnell, Jr. and Cummings signs. For many years, he flew blood for the American Red Cross. He was awarded the coveted Orville and Wilbur Wright award for 50 years of continuous flying without an incident. Throughout his military, commercial and corporate flying, he mentored many pilots teaching them the finer points of flying with his focus on keeping them safe.

The family would like to extend a message of deep gratitude to the healthcare providers of Alive hospice of Nashville, Tennessee who took excellent care of Jake as well as offering wonderful support and resources.

To celebrate Jake’s life, the family asks for your continued love and support. In lieu of funeral services, we ask that all who wish to participate, make a donation to Vision for the Poor, 431 Shawnee Drive, Erie, PA 16505 (attn: Douglas Villella, OD) or a charity that is close to your heart.