In Memoriam: David D. Williams
June 13, 1954 to June 30, 2020
Retired Bishop Kenny High School teacher, coach, and administrator David D. Williams passed away on June 30 after a three-year battle with ALS. In the classroom, on the playing field, and as dean of students, Williams made a big impact on the Bishop Kenny community.
“Dave was liked and respected in all of his roles at Bishop Kenny. The students knew he would listen to them, and treat them fairly, and the faculty admired his professionalism and valued his friendship. Dave will certainly be missed by us all,” shared Bishop Kenny Principal Todd Orlando, a long-time friend.
Earlier this year the school dedicated the David D. Williams Beach Volleyball Courts located at their waterfront sports complex in Williams honor.
Williams was a fixture on the Bishop Kenny High School campus for 32 years. The Colorado native was hired by former Bishop Kenny President Msgr. Daniel Logan to join the faculty as a member of the social studies department in 1984. During his years at Bishop Kenny, Williams shared his signature dry wit and love of history with more than 3,000 students.
A gifted life-long athlete who attended Illinois State University on a wrestling scholarship, Williams’ participation in, and love of, athletics helped make him a talented coach who served as head coach of the Crusader tennis, track, golf, and wrestling teams at different times during his career. He also served as an assistant football coach. “Coach Williams’ positive and calm leadership propelled me on to what was a successful high school, collegiate, and professional career. I will never forget his unending confidence in me. He influenced so many lives, including my own, for the better. I pray he is now at peace,” said Kathryn Cusick Dougan, Bishop Kenny class of 1994 and current head coach of the Jacksonville University women’s golf team.
In 1994, after earning a masters’ degree in educational leadership from Jacksonville University, Williams moved from full-time teaching to school administration as dean of students. He maintained that position until his retirement from the school in June of 2016. During his tenure as dean, Williams initiated many educational programs for students and parents focusing on drug and alcohol awareness, internet safety, among other topics.
Williams is survived by his loving wife, Terry, and daughter, Nadine, who was a member of the Bishop Kenny class of 2015.
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