In memory of George W. Williams Jr., Deborah Finley lit a candle

I had the pleasure of working with George as his rehab therapist before I changed facilities. Before working as an OT, I first was a student and had a clinical rotation at the nursing facility. When I first met George , as a student in a setting I was unfamiliar with ( I first had an elementary school teaching degree ) , I was a little intimidated and George knew how to push my buttons ( because we all know how strong willed and hard headed he could be at times ) and he definitely gave me a challenge working with him. The day I had to discontinue George from therapy ( later on he went back on after a little break) , I sat on the edge of his bed and cried. I felt like I failed. I remember the day before, I was standing him up at the bars and timing our stand and he used every swear word in the book as I tried to hold him up as long as I could to try to show some progress , he sat himself down and said he was done, very exhausted as my arms were shaking from holding his weight. I said to him you know what this means right ? When I realized his stand time was much was less than the day before. He nodded and gave a half grin and put his arms out to give me a hug. He knew how hard I tried , and I know he had tried too, but a break was necessary. He later on continued on with therapy multiple times over the years to come. Even when he wasn’t on therapy , I visited his room almost daily , and when he was in his room resting I’d shout “guess who!” from the doorframe and always got a smile and the signal to come in and chat. Even after I left the facility and got a full time job , I still would come back and visit.. each time he would ask to see pictures and smile and laugh and Every single time I left , on my way out I would say “ don’t forget - you’ll always be my favorite!!! “ and he’d wink and smile and blow a kiss. He had a million dollar smile that I will never forget. I even tried at times to talk his wife into moving him to my facility so I could visit him every day ! The last time I saw him , I got word that he wasn’t doing as well as normal so I got off work and drove to visit him. His wife and daughter were there and we sat around, chatted , and he didn’t open his eyes the entire time but I know he heard me. When I left to say goodbye , he opened his eyes and made some noise to let me know he was there. And once again my parting final words were you’ll always be my favorite !! George inspired me and is actually one of the biggest reasons why I completely changed my mindset on working in a skilled facility . I thought I would never work with the elderly ( I imagined myself working in an elementary school doing OT ) , and here I am today loving my job overseeing all therapists at another skilled nursing facility ; I truly have him to thank. My thoughts and prayers are with George and his family through this difficult time , and I will never forget the impact he had on me . God bless !

Praying for the entire family.

George was my brothers best friend, and we regarded him as a part of the zones family. We love each one of you. George is now home with the Lord.

John Adams Rebel and Lifelong friend Rest In Peace.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.