Frank B. Williams
12/19/1933 - 1/16/2008

Dr. Frank B. Williams was the son of the late Ernest Ashton Williams and Eleanor Barber Williams. He is survived by his loving wife, Suzanne H. Williams; daughters, Alice R. Williams and Laurel Anne Wise, and son, Dr. Christopher A. Williams; son-in-law, Marc L. Wise; daughter-in-law, Dr. Natalia Hasler; grandchildren, Emily A. Williams, Alexandra E. Williams, William A. Wise, Wesley E. Wise, Chloe Anne Williams; brother, Norman H. Williams and wife, Kate Williams; niece, Martyanne W. Cerier and husband, Skip Cerier and their children, Laurel and Michael; nephews, Norman H. Williams and wife, Heather and their children, Christina and Samuel; and Michael A. Williams and wife, Lisa Williams. He was predeceased by a son, Ashton Steele Williams and a sister, Barbara Williams Wilson.

Frank was a member of St. James Lutheran Church, Gettysburg, where he served in numerous capacities including two terms as Council President, member of the Adult Choir, chair of the Worship and Music Committee, Call Committee, and Lay Reader.

Frank was a graduate of Garden City High School, Garden City, New York, class of 1951 and student council president. He attended Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, receiving a B.A. degree in history and music in 1955, and a master of arts in teaching (history) in 1957. He earned a doctor of education degree in counseling psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. After two years of teaching in Connecticut and Pennsylvania secondary schools, he became a counselor, University Counseling Service, University of Pennsylvania. In 1963 he joined the staff at Swarthmore College as associate dean of admissions and director of financial aid. He was also chair of Swarthmore's summer program for disadvantaged students.

From 1966-1979 Frank was dean of students at Gettysburg College with overall supervision of the Student Life program, including freshman advising and academic counseling of students with a devoted staff of professionals. He also served on Gettysburg College's Long Range Planning and Development Committee outlining a 10-year plan for growth and development of the institution. Dr. Williams was appointed to a new leadership position created by President Charles E. Glassick in 1981 as dean of student life and educational services. He had overall responsibility for student life, athletics, health and counseling services, the college union and coordinated institutional planning and research with Dr. Salvatore Ciolino. From 1990-1995. he was special assistant to the president and adjunct professor of education, continuing his love for teaching and nurturing students.

Frank was a founder of the Family Counseling Services, a former member of the Board of Directors of the S.P.C.A, and an active Adams County Master Gardener in his retirement years.

Memorial gifts to honor Dr. Frank B. Williams may be sent to St. James Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 4596, Gettysburg, PA 17325, or directed to Gettysburg College, P.O. Box 423, 300 North Washington Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325 toward a scholarship fund for students in his name. Monahan Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Gardening Articles by Frank: