David Clayton Williams, Jr.

David Clayton Williams Jr.

April 13, 1942 - July 28, 2026

David “Clayton” Williams passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at his home in Dunnellon, Florida.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Jacquelan Hostettler Williams, daughters Melodie (Steve) Smith and Cliston (Brent) Lawrence; brother, Larry Williams (Ronnie); dearly loved grandsons Carson, Connor, and Caleb Lawrence; bonus family Kailey (Angus) Palmer, Jakob (Kyla) Smith, Knox and Hayes Smith; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dave and Kathleen Williams; sister and brother in law, Judy and John Henry Thomas; and sister in law, Brenda Williams.

A fourth-generation Floridian, Clayton was born in Miami, and later moved to Okeechobee in 1952. He attended the Church of the Brethren (which later became Grace Brethren Church) and was baptized in Lake Okeechobee at the mouth of Taylor Creek on April 11, 1954. He was also a 1960 graduate of Okeechobee High School. Some years later, Clayton and Jacque became members of Oakview Baptist Church in Okeechobee. After moving to Dunnellon in 2016, they joined First Baptist Church of Dunnellon.

Over the years, Clayton’s commitment to public service began at a young age and continued throughout his life: volunteer fireman for 40 years, starting at the age of 16; Florida Army National Guard (1964-1970), Florida Highway Patrol (1965-1976); Sheriff of Okeechobee County (1977-1981); and Okeechobee City Council (2001-2005; 2007-2014).

In addition, he spent 11 years at Okeechobee Farm Bureau Insurance and later worked for 20 years at Berger Insurance Agency and Coldwell Banker Real Estate. Clayton was also involved in Kiwanis, Gideon’s International, and was a founding board member of Grace Christian School (now Okeechobee Christian Academy).

Some of Clayton’s favorite stories include his first four years on the Highway Patrol in Dade county. During this time, he escorted a President, Vice-President, Governors, Orange Bowl Queens, and various celebrities, including University of Alabama’s “Bear Bryant.”

As Sheriff, Clayton was dedicated to improving the lives of Okeechobee’s citizens. During this time, he established the first Auxiliary Program, the first 911 emergency communications system, and introduced the agency's first K-9 to road patrol. He was also the first Okeechobee County sheriff to attend the prestigious National FBI Academy, graduating in 1978.

Clayton began each morning by reading his Bible on the back porch and praying for family, friends, and those in government. He eventually “slowed down” and it was not unusual to find him raking his yard, tinkering in the garage, watching a football game on the television (Go ‘Canes!), or visiting with a neighbor. However, his most treasured past time was spending time with his grandsons – whether it was telling them stories about his life growing up, fishing, or doing some more of that tinkering around the garage. He finally had his boys, and he valued each moment with them.

There will be a service at 11 am on Monday, August 3, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Dunnellon. A service will also be held Tuesday, August 4, 2026 in Okeechobee, FL at Oakview Baptist Church with visitation at 1 pm, and service following at 2 pm. Burial will take place immediately after at Evergreen Cemetery in Okeechobee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to several organizations that were special to Clayton: First Baptist Church of Dunnellon: Hope Grows Here fund (https://fbcdunnellon.churchcenter.com/giving), Gideon’s International (https://sendtheword.org/?utm_source=gideons.org&utm_medium=giving-flow-accordion-link), and Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch (https://www.youthranches.org/give-online/).