Leon L. "Buddy" Williams was "Promoted to Glory" on December 7, 2022. He was born in Wauchula, Florida, on September 29, 1938, to the late Robert Irvin "R.I." Williams and Margaret Thornton Williams Hilton. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Robert Williams, his sister, Barbara Williams Baxter, and his stepfather, Aubrey Hilton. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Shiver Williams; daughter, Lori Williams Pujol (Alex); son Leon Williams, II. (Kelly) and son Adam Williams (Stacy); nine grandchildren: Keri Lawson, Preston Pujol, Jared Williams, Alexis Pujol, Landis Pujol, Madison Williams, Adam Williams, II., Rachel Williams, Pierce Pujol; and one great grandchild, Sophia Thompson. Leon L. "Buddy" Williams attended Hardee High School in Wauchula, Florida. He received his Bachelors' Degree from the University of Tampa, where he played football. He served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper and Green Beret. He later received his Masters' Degree in Administration and Supervision from Rollins College. Buddy was a teacher, football, and track coach during his career. He was a head deacon and Sunday School Teacher at the Salvation Army in Lakeland. Visitation for Leon L. "Buddy" Williams will be on Saturday, 12/10/2022 from 10-11:00AM, with funeral service to follow at 11:00AM, at the Salvation Army at 2620 Kathleen Rd. in Lakeland, Florida. Buddy will be laid to rest with military honors at Roselawn Cemetery in Lakeland, Florida. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Salvation Army in Lakeland, Florida.