Kater W. Williams

Kater W. Williams of Dothan, Alabama passed away Monday, November 5, 2018 at home.  He was 89.

Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2018 at First Baptist Church of Dothan 300 West Main Street, Dothan, Alabama 36301 with Reverend Bob Gross officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Chief Williams to the Dothan Police Foundation.

Chief Williams was born in Smith County, Mississippi on December 23, 1928, the son of James Walter and Estelle Irene Williams.  The family moved to the Mobile, Alabama area during his early years.

Chief Williams is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jean Louise Shenk, formerly of Annville, Pennsylvania; four daughters: Tami Adams (Walter) of Knoxville, Tennessee, Paula Greer (Barry) of Panama City Beach, Florida, Jane Williams (Chris Lauretig) of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and Christy Williams (Brian) of Eugene, Oregon.  He also leaves 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. His niece and her husband, Sybil and Earl Starling have had a special place in his life since moving back to Dothan. 

He is preceded in death by his son, Paul Williams; a sister, Audell Sellers; and a brother, Lavelle Williams.

Chief Williams enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1950 and served overseas with the 6th Marines.  He was Honorably Discharged with the rank of Sergeant in 1953. He joined the Mobile Police Department as a patrolman in November 1954. He served for 20 years and retired with the rank of Captain. At that time, he accepted the position of Police Chief in Dothan. Alabama, and served until his retirement in 1990. He then served as Chief of Highway Safety and Law Enforcement Planning in Montgomery, Alabama. In 1993, he retired from that position and moved to Panama City Beach, Florida where he and Jean enjoyed their retirement until returning to Dothan in 2004.

Chief Williams was a member of First Baptist Church and the Dothan Elks Lodge #1887.  He was past president of the Alabama Peace Officers Association, past president of the Alabama Chapter of the International Police Chiefs Association, past president of the Alabama Chapter of the FBI National Academy Graduates. He served for two terms as a member of the Southeast Alabama Youth Services Board and served as Chairman of the Southeast Alabama Law Enforcement Planning Board and the State Planning Board.

Chief Williams was a committed law enforcement officer who was proud to safeguard his community with the men and women who served with him.

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