Tate High Mourns Loss Of History Teacher Chris Williams

September 6, 2013

Tate High School is in mourning the loss of teacher Chris Williams.

Williams taught American history and honors American history at Tate. He had been a teacher for 18 years, seven of those at Tate High School. He taught previously at Pine Forest High School. He had a passion for Civil War related history and events.

He held a B.A. in history education from the University of West Florida, and was sponsor of the Tate Core Values Team.

Williams is survived by his wife Jeanne and other relatives and friends. Funeral services have not yet been announced.

Comments

20 Responses to “Tate High Mourns Loss Of History Teacher Chris Williams”

  1. Patrick Quarles on August 12th, 2015 11:42 am

    I know I’m late on this, but I just thought of Mr. Williams for some reason and decided to google him. He was one of my favorite teachers- and I regret being as much of a pain as I probably was. He was such a kind man. I had him as a sophomore, but often came to him for advice and just to chat. My mother passed away in my junior year and he came to her funeral- a gesture I have never forgotten. He is often the example I give for a teacher who genuinely cared for his students.

  2. Rachael waldroup on October 23rd, 2013 10:26 pm

    I had mr. Williams at Tate in 2009-2010 for American history. He always made it so much fun and easy to remember. He was always so nice and funny. I’ll miss him and I know everyone else will too. Rest in peace mr. Williams, we miss you

  3. Matthew Heard on October 22nd, 2013 12:17 pm

    Mr. Williams was my teacher at Pine Forest from 1999 to 2003 for various history classes. He was arguably my favorite teacher there, because he had a passion for history, and taught it so well. On top of that, he was a great guy that had no problem talking to students on their level, rather than as a better. His classes were some of the only ones I enjoyed going to, especially when he was talking about World War 2, and how the Allies performed a “People’s Elbow” on the Axis. He will be missed horribly.

  4. JC on September 9th, 2013 5:41 am

    I had Mr. Williams as my teacher at PFHS back around 96-97. He was one of my favorite teachers, I used to see him at Five Flags Speedway all the time. Does anybody know what the cause of his tragic passing was?

  5. lucious holley on September 7th, 2013 8:45 pm

    Mr. Williams is the reason I plan to become a history teacher. Not only was he an amazing teacher, he was a really nice man. I hope to become the kind of teacher he was. I will be praying for his family. RIP Mr. Willaims

  6. Danny and Glenda Gamez on September 7th, 2013 12:19 pm

    We are so sorry to hear about Chris passing away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family. May God give you strength and peace in the days and weeks ahead. Only God can give you the strength you need.

  7. Tom Leonard on September 7th, 2013 8:57 am

    I had the pleasure of teaching with Chris for 8 years at Pine Forest. He was a
    excellent teacher and cared deeply about his students. His love of history
    was evident and his students benefitted from his knowledge. As evident
    in the previous posts, he impacted so many students. Even with the endless
    NASCAR jokes, he brought so much to the classroom. Chris was a good friend
    and that I will surely miss. He loved Jeanne so much. My prayers go out to her
    and Chris’ family. Please know that your loss is shared by do many people
    who knew and cared about Chris. Rest in Peace, my friend.

  8. Jason Petersen on September 6th, 2013 10:52 pm

    Mr. Williams was my favorite history teacher at Pine Forest High School. He inspired my roommate to become a teacher.

  9. Colleen Gorman Chambers on September 6th, 2013 3:49 pm

    My daughter was also in Mr. Williams Honors History last year. She always told me how much she enjoyed his class! He made it fun to learn and told lots of jokes. All of the students knew all ab his passion for travel and how much he adores his wife. I am grateful my daughter had such a great teacher, though one of many, that made leaening fun!
    Kindest thoughts & prayers to your family.

  10. Michelle Heard-Innis on September 6th, 2013 3:02 pm

    I had Mr. Williams years ago when he taught at Pine Forest. Probably around 1997? He was an incredible teacher. My former classmates and I have been enjoying sharing memories of Mr. Williams. He will always go down as one of my absolute favorite teachers. He had a way of relating to us that very few could. We felt comfortable. He was a really incredible man. My family expresses their thoughts and condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace Mr. Williams. Enjoy your ring side seats to all of the Nascar races.

  11. Karen on September 6th, 2013 10:29 am

    My daughter had Mr. Williams as a teacher last year, and she always talked about what a wonderful teacher he was. He really made the subject of history fascinating to her— so much so that she plans to major in history and become a history teacher. My prayers go out to his wife and family.

  12. Wes Chu on September 6th, 2013 9:40 am

    He was such a nice guy and awesome teacher – so sad to see him go.

  13. Jessica Wright on September 6th, 2013 9:21 am

    Mr.Williams was a great teacher ! I had him for American History Honors and he was by far one of my favorite teachers. I always could remember his jokes and the way he pointed his fingers out when he talked. He will be missed! Prayers for the friends & family !

  14. Bob Poncik on September 6th, 2013 8:58 am

    Sad new for all of us on Chris having to leave us so early, we all had a lot more to learn from Chris, may he RIP, Prayers and condolences to his family

  15. Shannon Poole on September 6th, 2013 8:27 am

    One of the nicest people and best teachers i have ever had. I will be praying for the family. RIP.

  16. Bob Dandridge on September 6th, 2013 7:51 am

    Rest in Peace Chris,
    I’ll miss you at meeting and the range. I don’t know anyone who knew Chris that didn’t respect and like him. God Bless You.
    Bob Dandridge

  17. Jessica Taylor on September 6th, 2013 7:41 am

    By far one of the best teachers I have ever had. American history honors was the only class I looked forward to going too, even on test days. He touched the lives of every student that walked through his doors. We will never forget the stories of gun competitions and American muscle cars. It is sad to see such an amazing man go. My heart goes out to his wife, she will be in all of our prayers.

  18. Jennifer Kline on September 6th, 2013 7:05 am

    RIP Chris…you were and amazing person with such a passion for teaching. My heart, prayers and thoughts go out to Jeanne and his family.

  19. sheldon wade on September 6th, 2013 6:54 am

    Chris was a good frien and fellow member of Escambia River Gun Club.he will be missed by all
    sheldon and debbie wade

  20. Carolyn Bramblett on September 6th, 2013 5:29 am

    I have family staying here in between duty stations and the kids are now enrolled in the local schools. This man was meant to be the teacher in a class for my 16 year old grandson. We don’t know the man but heard yesterday that he had died. Tragic.