Larry Edward Williams, 77

Larry E. Williams of Tampa passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Suncoast Hospice Care Center in Palm Harbor, Florida.

Larry was born on December 1, 1947, in Mobile, Alabama, to Edward Robert Williams and Melrose Collins. Though he spent many years in Tampa, Larry grew up in Lake Wales — a place he always considered his true home and “happy place.” It was there that he formed lifelong friendships, made cherished memories, and laid the foundation for the man he would become.

From a young age, Larry stood out for his kindness, sense of humor, and natural athleticism. He was a standout student-athlete and served as captain of his high school’s football, basketball, and track teams. He earned All-Conference, All-County, and All-State honors in multiple sports, and during his junior year, he was awarded a football scholarship to Georgia Tech, where he proudly played for four years.

After college, Larry served in the United States Army Reserves for eight years. He went on to build a distinguished career as an executive in Human Resources, holding leadership roles at many respected companies, including GTE, American Express, Seminole Electric, Citicorp, CoBank, and Walter Energy. Larry was admired for his integrity, tireless work ethic, and the genuine respect he extended to colleagues at every level. He approached his career with dedication and pride, always leading with fairness, humility, and a calm, steady presence.

He lived a life filled with passion — for family, friends, Georgia Tech football, and cars. He never passed up a chance to enjoy a good laugh, a great story, time on the water, or a scoop of ice cream.

Those who knew Larry knew a man who was loyal, warm, and hardworking. He treated everyone with respect, carried himself with quiet dignity, and was always ready to lend a hand. He was deeply devoted to his family and was a loving father and proud granddad.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Melrose Williams. He is survived by his son, Sean Williams; daughter-in-law, Brittney; beloved granddaughter, Sterling; and sister, Ann Purcell.

A viewing will be held at 9:30 a.m., followed by a service to celebrate Larry’s life at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales, Florida.

Following the cemetery ceremony, the family warmly invites you to join them for food, fellowship, and fond memories at The Emerson in Lake Wales — a time to continue celebrating Larry’s life and the love he shared with all who knew him.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to brain tumor research at https://nbtsevents.braintumor.org/fundraiser/6487230, in honor of Larry’s courageous battle.

Betty Ann Mercer, 88, of Lake Wales, Florida, passed peacefully at home on Wednesday evening, June 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving children, husband, and sister.

Born at home “out in the sticks” near Griffin, Georgia, on October 18, 1936, Betty Ann was the daughter of the late Daisy Gladys and Horace Carr Byne. She grew up on a farm with vegetable and flower gardens, chickens, and cows, and from an early age found joy in the beauty of the natural world.

After graduating from high school, Betty Ann worked at the Borden Milk Company near Atlanta and later moved to Lakeland, Florida, to attend Southeastern Bible College. In 1958, she met William Rex Mercer, and just three months after their first date at Cypress Gardens, they were married. Together, they became educators and members of the Polk Education Association.

While teaching full-time in Frostproof and raising two young children, Betty Ann earned her master’s degree in school guidance and counseling from Rollins College in Winter Park. In 1975, the family moved to Lake Wales, where she worked at Hillcrest Elementary for more than 20 years, first as a second-grade teacher and later as a guidance counselor. She inspired a love of reading and learning in her students, and her dedication was recognized in 1988 when she was honored as Polk County Teacher of the Year.

Betty Ann was a committed member and leader at First Assembly of God, now Impact Church. She taught Sunday School and founded a Women’s Aglow fellowship. She had a passionate vision for the church’s new building to be located at the entrance to Bok Tower Gardens, where, after much prayer and negotiation, it indeed stands today. She truly embodied Edward Bok’s sentiment encouraging  people to make a difference in their world: “Wherever your lives may be cast, make the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it.”

Betty Ann was cherished by all who knew her. She was calm, gentle, and kind – a nurturing presence who never spoke a harsh word. She gave of herself freely, caring for her family, her students, her church community, animals, and anyone in need. She was the heart of her family and a source of endless love, support, and quiet strength. She found much happiness in tending to her plants and garden, sitting outside watching the sandhill cranes, or reclining peacefully with a cat or two on her lap. The next time you see a butterfly, hear birds singing, or see a beautiful sunset, please take a moment to remember our sweet Betty Ann.

She was preceded in death by her beloved sister Joan and her brothers, Horace Jr. and Harmon Byne. She is survived by her faithful husband of nearly 67 years, William Rex Mercer; her sister, Nora Alice Chapman of Lake Wales; her brother, Dr. William Marcus Byne of the Bronx, New York; her loving daughter, Lanna Mercer Barbaroux and life partner, Eduardo Beltran of Austin; and her adoring son, William Steven Mercer, who cared for his mother with great devotion in her final years.

A celebration of Betty Ann’s life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.