WILLIAMS, Frank R.

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Thursday, April 24, 2003 Frank R. Williams, for over 90 years we were blessed by the presence in life of Frank R. Williams. Born in Clifton, Arizona on July 14, 1912, he died on April 21, 2003 in Scottsdale, Arizona. A native son who lived his entire life, except for a tour of active duty in World War II and a time in graduate school, in Arizona, he attended Phoenix Union High School and the University of Arizona, graduating in 1936. He later received his Master's degree in Public Health from the University of Michigan. He had two careers and performed them simultaneously - public health and the United States Navy. In public health he began as the first state Director of Health Education in the state Department of Health beginning in 1942, a position he held (with time out for military service) until 1957. From 1958-1963, he was the first non-medical Director of Local Health Administration. He served as the first full-time Director of the Pinal County Health Department, 1963-1966, returning in 1966 to state government as the state Consultant in Health, Physical and Recreation Education with the Arizona Department of Public Instruction, retiring in 1972. His military career also spanned three decades beginning with his commissioning as an Ensign, United States Naval Reserve in 1942. From 1943-1946, he served on active duty, mainly in the South Pacific. In 1944, he was awarded the Bronze Star for "Action above and beyond the call of duty." After active duty, he served in various capacities with the Phoenix Naval Reserve, completing his service as commanding officer of the Phoenix unit. He retired in 1972 with the rank of Captain, U.S. Naval Reserve. Over the years he taught health education at the three Arizona Universities, gave hundreds of workshops and seminars, and was a sought-after speaker. He served on many state Boards, several as President and was the recipient of many professional and military honors. Even after retirement, he continued in public service with the Arizona Congress of Parent and Teachers and as a lobbyist for the Arizona Public Heath Association. During this time his travels took him around the world. He was pre-deceased by his wife Virginia in 2001 and is survived by his children, Frank R. Williams Jr. and Jeanette K. Geiser, both of Tucson, and Edith Corwin of Globe; by seven grand-children; and nine great grandchildren. He will be missed by his family and his many friends. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 27 at 2:00 PM at A.L. Moore Grimshaw Mortuary, 710 W. Bethany Home Road. A viewing will precede the service beginning at 1:00 PM and will be followed by a reception at 4:00 PM at Scottsdale Village Square, 2620 N. 68th St., Scottsdale. Courtesy of Pat Wilson.