THOMAS D. WILLIAMS Thomas D. Williams, 85, of Vero Beach, passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2013. Tom was born September 14, 1928 in Mobile, Ala. to John and Bessie Williams. He served in the Army Air Corps during WWII. Following his honorable discharge from the military in 1949, he earned his Master's Degree from the University of Mississippi, then moved to Vero Beach to accept a position with the Indian River County School District. He began his 31 year career in the education system in Indian River County in 1954. Tom became the first male physical education teacher in Indian River County, and two years later became the first Chief Administrator of the Juvenile Court and first Visiting Teacher. He served in dual capacity for 11 years. Then in 1968 he became the first full-time Director of Attendance Services. For over 30 years he worked tirelessly to educate students on the dangers of drug involvement, and was instrumental in the formation of the March On Drugs (MOD) Squad in 1969 and was active in the program until 1971. Due to his knowledge of the law and due process procedures, Tom was later chosen to be the Hearing Officer for the school district's expulsion hearings. He was known for his leadership and community involvement. He was awarded the Outstanding Citizens award by the Vero Beach Jaycees, was the first recipient of the Indian River Exchange Club's Book of Golden Deeds and donated over 20 gallons of blood during his lifetime. He was recognized by the Indian River County School Board in December of 1986 with Resolution # 87-17. The resolution honored him for his contributions in shaping the lives of thousands of young people, and his encouragement for them to become successful citizens. His community and professional involvement includes memberships in the Juvenile Court Administrators Association, Florida Assn. of School Administrators, the National Assn. of School Administrators, Florida Assn. of Visiting Teacher/ School Social Workers, National Assn. of Social Workers, Florida Assn. for Responsible Adolescent Parenting, the Vero Beach Elks Lodge where he held the post of Exalted Ruler, and was a sponsor for the MOD Squad. Tom also served Vero Beach and Indian River County as a Special Detective for the Vero Beach Police Dept. and Special Deputy for the Indian River County Sheriff's Dept. Tom is survived by his sons, Steven J. of Vero Beach, Timothy D. and his wife Nina of Vero Beach, Keith C. of Vero Beach and Nick of Vero Beach, FL. Grandchildren Michelle and her husband Christopher Baynes of Chicago, Illinois; Tiffany Little of Whitefish, Montana; SSgt. Thomas D. II and his wife Sarah of Little Rock, Arkansas; Michael C. of Portland, Oregon; J. D. of Vero Beach; Monique and her husband Scooter Clark of Vero Beach; Kelly Williams of Brunswick, Ohio; Jamie and her husband Nate Brown of Cleveland, Ohio; and K. C., Chelsea and Emily of Vero Beach. Great- grandchildren Jason, Samantha; Kyleigh and Miya; Jason, Jarred, Jake, Cienna; Timothy, Josh; Jackson; Adelaide, Charlotte and Juliet. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 plus years, Jacqueline Voivedich Williams. Services: A viewing will be held on Friday, October 11, 2013 from 3-5 PM with a service beginning at 5 PM at the Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home in Vero Beach. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the VNA Hospice at 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960. Online condolences may be sent at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com