Gene Williams

Gene Williams 1/26/33-4/28/16 "Don't Worry, Be Happy" Gene passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, surrounded by family. Gene was of the "Mad Men" era. In his long career in advertising and marketing, he was Executive VP, Donald D. Lewis Advertising, Inc. Hollywood, California. He was a visionary and was one of early advocates and founders of the infomercial direct response television format. He served on the Board of Directors of the National Infomercial Marketing Association for 4 years - now known as ERA. As owner and president of Power Media Marketing Group, Gene continued his leadership in production, creativity and media expertise. Throughout his successful history, he managed a diverse array of accounts ranging from food, real estate, packaged goods and tourist attractions. In Gene's years of semi-retirement, he and his wife (Evie) of 37 years, owned and published The Beautiful Lake San Marcos Resident Directory for 12 years. Gene served, in some capacity, in the community of Lake San Marcos for most of his 17 years as a resident of the Lake, which he always referred to as "paradise" - up until his unexpected passing. Serving as president of the Kiwanis Club of Lake San Marcos, Kiwanis became a main focus in everything he did, including the Annual July 4th Parade, Annual Pancake Breakfast (selling the most pancake breakfast tickets in 2016!) and, further, his strong support in Camp Pendleton and the military. (Veteran of the United States Air Force.) His service to Kiwanis earned him the DSA award and the prestigious Dunlop Award. Gene was elected by the Lake residents to serve on the LSM Community Association Board through January 2016; he continued to serve on the board of the LSM Security Patrol. He was a Christian who was proud to serve on the Board of The Lake Church. Over the years, Gene served on the board of most every social club at Lake San Marcos. He enjoyed being the Parade Marshall for the Lake San Marcos Yacht Club, year after year. As a member of the Lake San Marcos Golf Club, Gene played with the Old Geezers and The Dirty Dozen. Although he never got a hole-in-one, those times in his Life were among some of his fondest memories. He was often referred to as "the renaissance man". He was a pilot, a sailor/navigator, an accomplished artist, a golfer, a gentleman and a good, true and loyal friend-confidante to many. Above all, Gene was proudest of his family. He was happiest when he was at one of his many family gatherings, on a family vacation, flying, or on a long, private boat trip to Cabo San Lucas, or a short private boat trip to Avalon, Catalina. He leaves behind his loving wife, (Evie) and their extended family of five children (Jerra Williams-Morris, Trish Williams-Costa, Craig Williams and Wendy Williams-Rambo) from his previous marriage, and Evie's son, Dennis Wake, 11 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren and special nieces and nephews and their families across the country. He is predeceased by his parents; his twin brother, Jerry, and older brothers Jack and Bob Williams and his many cronies "I'll See You When I See You". A Celebration of Gene's Life will be held at the Pavilion at Lake San Marcos on Thursday, May 19 at 1:00 PM. In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lake Church http://www.lakechurch.org/ or the San Marcos Kiwanis Club Foundation www.kiwanisclubofsanmarcos.org, or the charity of your choice.

Gene Williams

April 28, 2015 - April 28, 2016