City's Oldest Businessman Is Dead At 96

George D. Williams, Mt. Vernon's oldest active businessman, died Saturday at the age of 96.His death occured at 8:30 p.m. at the Jeffersonian Nursing Home where he has resided for the past five weeks.

Mr. Williams, a real estate broker here for many years went to his office every day, until his health started failing a few months ago. Until he entered the nursing home, he resided for many years at 816 North Ninth Street. Mr. Williams had remained active nearly to the end, driving his car to his real estate office in the Rogers Building each day.

On June 3, 1972, Mr. Williams at the age of 94, managed to foil a strong-arm robbery attempt at his office, when two youths hit him over the head with a pipe, but fled before taking anything.He was treated for his minor injuries by his friend Dr. Marshall Hall, whose office is also in the Rogers Building. He was one of the oldest licensed drivers in the state, having driven his car regularly until the age of 94.

Mr. Williams was born on January 14, 1878 in Jefferson County, the son of W.T. and Irene (Jarrell) Williams.

He was married to Charlotte Juergens in 1940 she survives.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church.

Mr. Williams was a life time member of Masonic Lodge No. 31, A.F.&A.M., Royal Arch Masons, and the Commandry. He was a real estate broker.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Myers Chapel, with the Rev. Larry Bailey officiating. Burial will be in Old Union cemetery. Friends may call after 5 p.m. today.

In addition to his wife, Charlotte, Mr. Williams is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Ann Edwards, Venice, Fla., and Mrs. Lena Schroeder, Sarasota, Fla.; one step son, Edwin Juergens, Spring Hill, Fla.; six grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Letha Taylor, in 1939, and was also preceded in death by one son, George T. Williams, and one daughter, Mrs. Katherine Johnson.

Source: Mt. Vernon Register News
Date: February 18, 1974
Submitted by: Cindy Ford